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INSTRUCTOR ENTERTAINMENT SERIES 


Christmas Plays 
and Recitations 



a.;ns 


F. A. OWEN PUBLISHING COMPANY 
DANSVILLE, N. Y. 






















LITTLE PLAYS AND EXERCISES DIO, 1 

The following plays are Included in one book. Price 35 cents. 

The Rainy Daisies and Parasols. By S. Emily Potter. Separate songs and drills for both 
boys and girls and a finale together. With music. 

Mother Goose Convention. By Mary McKinlay. Introducing Mother Goose and many of 
the characters made famous by her. Bright, catchy music. 20 or more children. 

Fairy Sunshine. By Laura Rountree Smith. Several children costumed as flowers, and 
others with water pots and rakes. Much singing, all to familiar airs, ending with a fine 
drill and march. 30 girls and boys, or less. 

The Flowers’ Parvy. imiise Deitz. A garden play in the fairy land of flowers. 7 
Bmall boys make a garden. Mother Nature and the fairies. Sunbeam and Raindrop, help in 
its care, and 6 girls and 7 boys appear at the party. i 

Harvest Time. By Laura Smith. Little Pilgrim Maids and Sailor Boys. Boy as turkey, 
girls as fruits. Songs to familiar airs: As many children as desired. 

The Real Santa Claus. By Laura Rountree Smith. A bright little Christmas play in 
three acts. Several songs to familiar ai rs. About 19 characters. 

Mother Goose Party. By Rosemary Richards. Simple in dialogue and costume. Each 
child has li ..tie to learn and play may be lengthened or shortened. 

The Fairies* Revelry. By Willis N. Bugbee. Brownies, Fays, Elves, Fairy Queen, 
Harpers, Goblins, etc. 18 characters or more. Boys and girls about equally divided. 

Japanese Reception. By Laura Rountree Smith. A New Year’s play, easily costumed 
and full of color. 14 girls and 12 boys may be used. 

Little Mothers. By Grace B. Faxon. Six separate pieces, dialogues, pantomimes, songs, 
introducing dolls. 

Christmas Secrets. By Alice E. Allen and T. B. Weaver. A fine Christmas play with 
original music. 14 main characters, a^ as many others as desired. 

Red, White and Blue. By Lettie Sterling. A beautiful ribbon drill for 12, 18 or 24 gil ls. 


LITTLE PLAYS AND EXERCISES NO. 2 

The following plays are Included in one book. Price 35 cents. 

Christmas Joys and Christmas Toys. By Laura R. Smith. Children represent dolls and 
toys. Stocking drill. 25 children or less. What Santa Brought. By Willis N. Bugbee. 6 
children. 

The Lost Reindeer. By Laura Rountree Smith. About 26 children representing Mrs. 
Santa Claus, elf and dolls. Songs to familiar tunes. 

Mother Earth’s Party. By Grace B. Faxon. Arbor Day Play. Three girls represent 
flowers and trees. Bird Day Exercise. By the same author. 12 pupils. 

The May Queen. By Bertha E. I usb. Two scenes. 8 girls and 7 boys ; more for chorus. 
May Day Drill. By Ida May Cook. 13 children as May Queen and months. 

Arbor Day Wishes. By Lettie Sfc rling. Songs and drill. 8 girls, 3 or 4 boys ; 2 children 
as Fairies. 

The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe. By Alice W. Dickson, 4 girls and 7 boys. June 
Roses. By Nellie R. Cameron. Drill and song. For girls. 

. The Turkey’s School. By Laura Rountree Smith. A Thanksgiving play, including songs 
and drill. 43 characters or less may be used. A Merry Thanksgiving. By Nelle G. Mus- 
tain. 6 characters, and children for singing. 

The Captive Jack Frost. By Martha Burr Banks. Christmas play in two acts. 9 girls 
representing flowers. 14 boys representing Santa Claus, Jack Frost, Nimble Jack, etc. 

Mothers’ Visiting. By Lula G. Parker. 2 girls and 3 boys. Rhoecus. By Mrs. Marion I. 
Noyes. 3 acts. Rhoecus. fairy, bumblebee and 6 boys. 

The Magic Charm. By Hattie H. Pierson. A woodland scene. The Queen of the Elves 
gives to each child a magic charm. 5 girls and 1 boy. 

The Enchanted Schoolroom. By Laura Rountree Smith. About 30 children represent¬ 
ing readers, music books, and other schoolroom articles. Songs to familiar tunes. 

In the Palace ef Kriss Kringle. By Annie M. Wadhams Lawton. Kriss Kringle. the 
Postman, Spirit of Christmas and Mother Goose. Also 8 boys or girls as Brownies. 






INSTRUCTOR ENTERTAINMENT SERIES 


L1X - 

/‘H7 

Christmas Plays and 
Recitations 


RECITATIONS; SONGS; ACROSTICS; DRILLS AND 
DANCES; EXERCISES; PLAYS AND 
DIALOGUES 


Compiled by' 

FLORENCE R. SIGNOR 


F. A. OWEN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

DANSVILLE, N. Y. 




1 ^ 5 % 5 


Copyright, 1923 

F. A. OWEN PUBLISHING COMPANY" 
Christmas Plays and Recitations 



l 


NOV 16 23 * 

© Cl A 7 6 4 2 8 2 


^ I 



CONTENTS 


RECITATIONS 


Act of Courtesy, An. 

All He Wants . 

Around the Christmas Tree.. 

Baby’s Stocking, The . 

Bethlehem. 

Bethlehem Way, The. 

Chimney’s Size, The. 

^Christmas Carol, A. 

phristmas Carol, A . 

Christmas Day . 

Christmas Day Is Coming. .. 

Christmas Eve . 

Christmas Eve Thought, A 

^Christmas Gifts . 

Christmas Greeting . 

•-Christmas Message, The 

Christmas on the Way. 

Christmas Problem, A. 

Christmas Secrets . 

Christmas Shopping . 

Christmas Stars, The . 

Christmas Stocking, The ... 

Christmas Thought, A . 

Christmas Tree, The . 

Christmas Wish, A . 

Dolly’s Christmas . 

Earth Has Grown Old, The . 

First Christmas, The . 

Fruit of the Christmas Tree 
Getting a Christmas Tree... 
<£ift and Giver. 


Dora A. Mondore .31 

. 53 

. 38 

E. H. Miller . 23 

.Nellie T. Burleson . 33 

Annie W. Meek . 45 

E. S . U 

J. G. Holland ... 25 

J. R. Lowell . 30 

Margaret E. Sangster.. 54 

Harriet G. Brown . 18 

Alfred Tennyson . 35 

. 57 

. 46 

Maude M. Grant . 17 

, Jane Andrews . 39 

Julia M. Martin . 21 

.Ella M. Hart . 14 

. 47 

.Ella M. Hart . 9 

.Mabel J. Bourquin . 27 

.Julia DeWitt Stevens... 52 

. Lucy Larcom . 48 

.Daisy M. Moore . 36 

. 16 

.Eloise M. Aldrich .37 

. Phillips Brooks . 53 

. 27 

. 35 

.Ella M. Hart .34 

.Philip B. Strong . 52. 






















































CONTENTS 


Good Night . Ella M. Hart. .. 

‘“Grampas” . Wilbur D. Nesbit . 

Greetings to Santa.. Daisy D. Stephenson ... 

Happy Day, A. Eloise M. Aldrich . 

Heaven’s Gift . T. B. Weaver . 

Her Choice .;. Emma R. Nichols . 

His Job . Emma R. Nichols . 

How Santa Claus Came Down the 

Chimney . Clarence Hawkes . 

Hurrah! . 

I’d Like to Know . J. C. C... .. 

If Santa Claus Lived in a Shoe... Charles I. Junkin . 

It Pays . Alma Edler . 

Jack Frost’s Greeting . Eloise M. Aldrich . 

Jolly Old Santa . Monira F. McIntosh.... 

Kris Kringle . 

Little Christmas Tree, The . Susan Coolidge . 

Look up the Chimney! . Louise Marshall Haynes. 

Moving Heart, A . 

“Man on Our Street, The”. 

‘^/Message of Christmas, The. 

Merry Christmas . Eloise M. Aldrich . 

Mr. Santa Claus . Eva May Moss . 

Mrs. Santa Claus . Eva May Moss . 

My Favorite Tree . Lucile Crites . 

O Christmas Tree! . Mary Bailey . 

Placing Santa Claus . 

Reason, The . Cora Allen . 

Santa . M. Louise Smith . 

Santa Claus . Anna Medary . 

Santa Claus’ Cousins. Anna N. A. Law . 

Santa Claus Is Coming . Nessie L. Jones . 

Santa’s Lunch . J. C. C .. 

Scaring Santa . 

^Season of Joys. Dorothy Reichart . 

-Shop Window, The. ...Ella M. Hart . 

A-Sing a Song . 

Soft Spot in B 606 . Annie Hamilton Donnell. 

"That Shocking Stocking . Cora Allen . 

Welcome, A . A. D. Haines . 

Welcoming Bells . Eloise M. Aldrich . 

What Sound Is This? . 


23 

12 

44 

38 

55 

41 

40 

42 

33 

9 

22 

40 

37 

43 

13 

61 

15 

41 

49 

56 

37 

28 

29 

7 

24 

45 

43 

32 

58 

10 

20 

8 

57 

19 

26 

51 

63 

25 

53 

37 

60 




































































CONTENTS 


What We Can Give. Margaret Noble . 

What Would You Say? . Edith S. Tillotson . 

When Christmas Comes. Abigail W. Burton . 

When Daddy Lights the Tree .... Margaret E. Sangster. .. 

rfi hich Is Your Way? .. Cora Allen . 

Why? . Eliza Macbeth . 

Wish, A . Eloise M. Aldrich . 

Your Christmas Tree . Emery Pottle . 

SONGS 

Christmas Bells . 

Christmas Day. Minnie A. Leigh . 

Christmas Lullaby . 

Festive Time, The . 

Sing a Song of Christmas. 

Song of the Christmas Greens . 

Star So Bright . Alice J. Cleator . 

Stockings Stout . Alice J. Cleator . 

’Tis Christmas . 

ACROSTICS 

C Stands for Christmas Cheer... .Annie W. Meek . 

Christ Came to Bethlehem . Fay Christ . 

Christmas Bells . Nellie York Spangler ... 

December Spelling Lesson, A . 

M Is for Music . Maud Schorer . 

Merry Christmas. 

Santa Claus . 

DRILLS AND DANCES 

Christmas Bell Drill . Ethel M. Hall . 

Christmas Puddings Dance. Harriette Wilbur . 

Star Drill . Marie Hoge . 

EXERCISES 

Christmas Arithmetic . Elizabeth F. Guptill .... 

Christmas Candles . Annie W. Meek . 

Christmas in Many Lands. Lester Hannal . 

Christmas Letter, A. Nellie F. Shaw . 

Christmas Message, The . 

Christmas Wishes . 

Hark! Is Santa Claus Coming? E. Blanche Burkett . 


60 

19 

49 

58 

51 

21 

38 

61 

76 

77 

78 

78 

72 

71 

73 

75 

74 

79 

82 

80 

82 

81 

81 

79 

88 

83 

91 

97 

108 

103 

99 

101 

109 

95- 





















































CONTENTS 


Last Year’s Dollies . Tillie C. Jeroleman . 

Message of the Candles, The. Helen Louise Sherwood. . 

Our Christmas Bells. Nellie T. Burleson . 

Pantomime of Luther’s Cradle 

Hymn, The . Edith Morton . 

PLAYS AND DIALOGUES 

Christmas Box from Aunt Jane. .Alice J. Cleator . 

Darning the Christmas Stocking.. Harriet C. Evans . 

Display of Mechanical Toys, A ..Effie G. Belden . 

Dolls’ Farewell, The . Elsie R. Redman . 

Evergreen, The . Gertrude Loveless . 

greatest Gift of All, The. Ruth O. Dyer . 

Little Christmas Spirit, The. Ethel H. Tewkesbury... 

Miracle Play of the Nativity, A... Alice N. Lewis . 

Mrs. Santa Comes into Her Own. Clara L. Austin.. . 

Old Woman in the Shoe, The ....Alberta Walker..., . 

Plan That Failed, A. Luella M. Huff . 

Serenading Santa Claus . Pearl S. Kelley . 

That Bag . May L. Treadwell . 

Their Christmas Gifts . Edith E. Horton . 

Toyland . Peggy Schroeder . 


102 

98 

94 

106 

170 

111 

173 

140 

176 

153 

144 

113 

124 

160 

119 

185 

135 

137 

179 
































Recitations 


My Favorite Tree 

My daddy likes an apple tree, 

My mother likes the cherry; 

Some folks I know like peaches best, 

Eut trees that make me merry 

Are those that grow some teddy-bears, 

A bugle, blocks, and toys; 

Tin soldiers, and an air gun too, 

Such fun for little boys! 

Just let them have their big fruit trees 
With things to eat so fine; 

There’s no tree like a Christmas tree, 

I’ll choose that style for mine. 

Lucile Crites. 


Christmas Shopping 

When Mother and I go shopping 
For things for Christmas Day, 

We have the happiest time because 
The shops all look so gay. 

They are dressed up in shining tinsel, 
And ribbons of green and red, 
And pictures of old Saint Nicholas 
Wherever you turn your head. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

And bright-looking wreaths of holly 
Everywhere meet your eye, 

And tables are full of the joiliest things 
Just waiting for you to buy. 

Games and dishes and balls and books 
With pictures a child can draw, 

And the biggest and loveliest wonderful dolls 
That anyone ever saw. 

Then you see such hundreds of people 
Before the day is through, 

That it seems everyone in the whole wide world 
Is shopping as well as you. 

And they push and jostle you sometimes, 

But it's all in a friendly way, 

And nobody minds it, and everyone smiles, 

For they're thinking of Christmas Day. 

Ella Mary Hart. 


Santa's Lunch 

I never thought it one bit right 
To treat Old Santa so; 

To let him go away back home 
Through ice and sleet and snow 

Without a single bite to eat 
Nor drink of nice warm tea; 

Oh, dear! I wish he'd come right now,—- 
Then he could eat with me. 

So, Dolly dear, just listen now 
To what I’m going to do; 

I'll set a lunch for Santa Claus 
As soon as we are through. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

I’ll pour the tea, and fix it nice,— 

He has to hurry so 

To get his work all done to-night 
Before he has to go. 

And now it’s time for him to come 
Before so very long, 

So I will make some nice new tea— 

He likes it warm and strong. 

I’ll fix some pie and pudding too, — 

I know he’s fond of sweets,— 

Then we will hide right over here 
And watch him while he eats. 

J. C. 

Pd Like to Know 

I’d like to know why Santa Claus 
Makes all his calls at night; 

Why can’t he travel in the dark, 

And get here while it’s light? 

I’d like the chance of thanking him 
For my nice dolls and books, 

And I would like to meet him once 
To know just how he looks. 

Why must he come through sleet and snow 
From that far distant land? 

Why won’t he rent a house in town,— 
Then he’d be close at hand? 

Why must he always come at night 
When we are all asleep? 

How can he always find his way 
When snow banks are so deep? 


10 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

If you should chance to see him soon 
Ask him to call Nine-O; 

I’d try to make him tell to me 
These things I’d like to know. 

J. C. C. 

Santa Claus’ Cousins 

Listen, my children, and you shall know 
Why Santa Claus stays in his House of Snow 

And sends his Cousins all over the earth 
To do his errands with joy and mirth. 

You know how big the world has got— 

It really would bother Old Santa a lot— 

If he hadn’t sent word to his Cousins for aid, 

He never would really get through, I’m afraid. 

So he sent for his Cousins to come to a feast: 

They came from the North, from South, West and 
East. 

And as they came, each and all, down the pike— 
Well! what do you think! They all looked alike, 

Except that each one wore the clothes he liked best— 
Depending on whether from East or from West. 

There was Tony from Italy in a fine boat, 

And old Uncle Sam in an airplane afloat, 

And John Bull, whose Cousin in Canada lives, 
Looked just like old Santa the storybook gives. 

The Swiss and Norwegians, and Dutch, as you know. 
Already were dressed for the cold and the snow. 

In France and in Spain it is not very cold, 

So the Cousins dressed lightly, or so I am told. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 11 

And now that your pennies to Heathen Lands go. 

The Cousins must carry the message of snow: 

The boys and the girls in African lands 

Want Santa to come and pour gifts in their hands. 

So all the good Cousins from far and from wide 

Take Santa Claus presents, whatever betide— 

By engine, by camel, by boat or by horse, 

By cutter, by airplane, by auto, of course. 

Every child in the land looks for Santa to come; 

And what would he do if his Cousins stayed home? 

So, dear children, if Santa himself you don’t see, 

Believe he’s as busy as busy can be, 

Making ready the packs for his Cousins to give 

To the boys and the girls, wheresoever they live. 

Anna N. A. Law. 

The Chimney’s Size 

The architects and carpenters 
Could learn a thing or two 

About the size of chimneys— 

I mean the chimney flue. 

If, when they draw their plans and things, 
They’d speak a word to me, 

And say, “Now tell me just the size 
This chimney here should be”— 

I’d say, “Don’t fail to build it high, 

And breadth it must not lack; 

In short, make sure it’s wide enough 
For Santa and his pack.” 


E. S . 


12 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


“Grampas" 

My grandpa, when it’s Chris'mas, he 
Comes to our house the day before, 

An’ Chris’mas mornin' him an’ me 
Gets all my toys down on th' floor, 

An’ he winds up my engine men 

An' makes my train go 'round the track, 

An' he’ps me march my soldier men, 

And shows me 'bout my jumping-jack, 

An’ ever'thing I say I know 
'Bout Santa Claus he says it's so. 

My grandpa he don't ever care 
How much I rumple up his clo’es 
Or muss his whiskers or his hair— 

He says 'at such things only shows 
’At boys is boys, an' has to play 
An' be as glad as they can be— 

An' ever' time it's Chris’mas day, 

W'y he comes here to play with me, 

An' Ma, one time, she kind o' smiled, 

An' said: “Which one o' you's the child?" 

My grandpa always understands 
Just what I mean an’ how I feel 
When I don’t want to wash my hands 
Before I sit down to a meal. 

An' Ma, she laughs at him an' says: 

“A man of his age ought to know 
’Bout raisin' children"—anyways, 

He really mustn’t spoil me so. 

An' once I ast her, when he’s gone, 

“Is grampas boys with whiskers on?" 

Wilbur D. Nesbit. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


13: 


Kris Kringle 

Kris Kringle is coming; 

Kris Kringle is coming; 

Kris Kringle is coming to town! 

He wears a big pack 
On the top of his back, 

And looks like a funny old clown. 

Now wait just a minute, 

I’ll tell you what's in it, 

Then won’t your eyes sparkle with joy! 
There’s something with curls 
For good little girls, 

And something as nice for each boy. 

There are flaxen-haired dollies, 

And all sorts of follies 

To please little folks Christmas Day; 
There are gay horses prancing, 

And jumping jacks dancing, 

And everything fitted for play. 

From Kris Kringle’s chin 
Hangs a plenty of tin,— 

Tin trumpets and watches and drums; 
Noah’s ark painted red, 

A little doll’s bed, 

And soldiers with very big guns. 

From out of his pockets 
He’ll take sugar lockets, 

And candies all red, white, and blue;. 
And there will be kisses 
For nice little misses, 

And sweetmeats in plenty for you. 


14 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Oh, won't there be funning 
And laughing and running 

When little folks peep in their hose, 

And pull out the candy, 

And everything handy, 

Stuffed full to the end of the toes! 

Then hang up your stockings! 

Oh, won’t there be knockings 

When Kris Kringle enters the town! 

He wears a big pack J 
On the top of his back, 

And looks like a funny old clown. 

A Christmas Problem 

There’s something I’ve been trying my best to figure 
out of late, 

’Cause Christmas is so nearly here that I can hardly 
wait— 

And I’ve been wondering whether Santa Claus will 
come this year 

From ’way up in the Northland with his little old 
reindeer; 

It seems to me that traveling that way must be 
rather cold, 

And Dasher, Vim, and Prancer must be getting 
pretty old. 

It might be better if dear Santa had an aeroplane 

To fly around from place to place and back up North 
again. 

But just suppose an accident should happen to him 
—My! 

Then what a sad world this would be if Santa Claus 
should die! 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


15 


A good big automobile is much safer, certainly, 

Yes, I think I’d say an auto if old Santa should ask 
me. 

But when I think the matter over, pshaw! Why, I 
don’t know— 

It wouldn’t do at all, if there should be a heavy snow. 

And if he had to stop to fix a tire here and there, 

Christmas would be over before he’d been every¬ 
where. 

So just how Santa Claus will come is hard to tell, I 
s’pose; 

As yet, I haven’t found a person anywhere who 
knows. 

It is indeed perplexing; but perhaps it would be 
wise. 

You know, they say it always pays for folks to ad¬ 
vertise. 

“ Wanted: A conveyance that is safe and warm and 
quick; 

Must be ready before Christmas—apply to Old Saint 
Nick.” Ella Mary Hart. 

Look Up the Chimney! 

A really famous visitor 
Has just arrived to-day. 

He must have traveled very far, 

How far I cannot say; 

But everyone has welcomed him 
With smile and wave of hand. 

It seems so wonderful to me, 

For all about the land 

He’s greeted on the self-same day 
In every place I know. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

I think he has an aeroplane, 

All hung with bells below, 

And flies across United States, 

With smiling, merry face— 

Then out to sea and far away 
To France, or other place. 

Now have you guessed this visitor 
With heart so full of cheer, 

Who comes to share it with us all 
Just once in all the year? 

You do not know who it may be?— 

His name begins with S. and C.! 

Louise Marshall Haynes . 

A Christmas Wish 

Fd like a stocking made for a giant, 

And a meeting-house full of toys, 

Then I’d go out in a happy hunt 
For poor little girls and boys; 

Up the street and down the street, 

And across and over the town, 

I’d search and find them every one 
Before the sun went down. 

One would want a little jackknife, 

Sharp enough to cut; 

One would long for a doll with hair. 

And eyes that open and shut; 

One would ask for a china set, 

With dishes all to her mind; 

One would wish a Noah’s ark, 

With beasts of every kind. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS IT 

Some would like a doll’s cook stove, 

And a little toy washtub; 

Some would prefer a little drum 
For a noisy rub-a-dub-dub; . 

Some would wish for a storybook, 

And some for a set of blocks; 

Some would be wild with happiness 
Over a nice tool box. 

And some would rather have little shoes. 

And other things warm to wear; 

For many children are very poor, 

And the winter is hard to bear; 

I’d buy soft flannels for little frocks, 

And a thousand stockings or so, 

And the joiliest little coats and cloaks 
To keep out the frost and snow. 

I’d load a wagon with caramels, 

And candy of every kind; 

And buy all the almonds and pecan nuts, 

And taffy that I could find; 

And barrels and barrels of oranges 
I’d scatter right in the way, 

So the children would find them the very first 
thing 

When they woke on Christmas Day. 

Christmas Greeting 

Christmas joy is in the air, 

Holly branches everywhere, 

Bells are ringing loud and clear— 

Merry Christmas, children dear! 

Maude M. Grant.. 


18 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 
Christmas Day Is Coming 
Christmas Day is coming. 

You can smell it in the air, 

By the fir and spruce and balsam 
And pine boughs everywhere. 
Christmas Day is coming. 

My, but it is nice 
To hang around the kitchen 
And smell the cakes and spice! 

Christmas Day is coming. 

You can hear it day and night, 

As the children, learning carols, 

Sing with all their might. 

Christmas Day is coming. 

You can hear it, for you know 
Folks are whispering secrets 
Everywhere you go. 

Christmas Day is coming. 

You can taste it for yourself 
In the cakes and pies and goodies 
That crowd the pantry shelf. 
Mother's made plum pudding, 

And cookies, rich and sweet. 

Sister's making candy 
That you long to eat. 

Christmas Day is coming. 

You can feel it when you see 
Mother hiding bundles, and you think. 
Is that for me? 

When the postman brings a package 
You carry it quite slow, 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 19 

For you wish to read the address, 

And feel it as you go. 

Christmas Day is coming. 

You can see it every day 
In the happy smiling faces 
That look so bright and gay, 

In the shops where crowds are buying 
Gifts for those most dear; 

And every day you're saying, 

“Christmas’s almost here.” 

Harriet G. Brown . 

Season of Joys 

Everyone happy, 

Nobody sad; 

Bells ringing sweetly, 

Voices so glad; 

Eager hearts waiting, 

Faces aglow; 

Christmas trees lighted, 

Tinsel and show; 

Full of surprises, 

For girls and for boys, 

Christmas is surely 
The season of joys. 

Dorothy Reichart. 

What Would You Say? 

If you should see 
A big green tree, 

With candles all alight, 

With popcorn strings 
And pretty things 
And tinsel shining bright, 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

With stars that swing, 

And bells that ring, 

All green and red and blue, 

And lots of toys 
For girls and boys, 

And lots of candies, too, 

And you should hear 
Somebody near, 

Call out in cheery way: 

“What sort of tree 
Can this one be?” 

I wonder what you’d say? 

Edith Sanford Tillotson . 

Santa Claus is Coming 

Now listen here, good people, 

Stop all your fun and noise; 

D’ye know Old Santa’s coming 
To see us girls and boys? 

Of course he is, he always does; 

Why, what else could he do 
With all his reindeer and his sled. 

But visit me and you? 

He’s on the way this minute: 

He’s fat and growing old. 

No, he won’t freeze, I know, but— 

I ’spect he’s getting cold. 

So hustle up the fires, boys, 

And keep this old house bright; 

Old Santa Claus is coming, 

He’ll come this very night. 

Nessie L. Jones . 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 21 

Why? 

A bad little boy gets suddenly good, 

And every day he does whatever he should. 

He brings in wood—the next day's supply— 

And even offers the dishes to dry. 

Sister takes care of the baby each day: 

You can’t make her cross, whatever you say. 
Whenever the table has to be set, 

She’s there like the drop of a hat—you bet! 

You can’t guess the reason? Oh, me, oh, my! 
But look at the date. It’ll tell you why. (Points to 
large December 25.) Eliza Macbeth. 

Christmas on the Way 

Choo-oo! Choo-oo! Choo-oo! 

Off my right of way, there, please! 

Here I come, with goods enough 

To load a thousand Christmas trees. 

They used to tell ’twas a prancing pair 
Of reindeer, drawing a jingling sleigh, 

But these could never bring Christmas round 
Without the help of the train, to-day. 

I bring a car of Christmas bloom, 

And I bring a car for the dry-goods shop, 

And a car of books, and a car of toys. 

I scatter Christmas where I stop. 

And here is a car of Christmas mail, 

With cards for all, and surprise for some; 
And here is a car for the grocer’s stall. 

The guests arrive where’er I come. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


Choo-oo! Choo-oo! Choo-oo! 

Off my right of way there, please! 

Here I come, to light with mirth 

The faces round your Christmas trees. 

Julia M. Martin. 

If Santa Claus Lived in a Shoe 

“There was an old woman 
Who lived in a shoe, 

She had so many children 
She didn't know what to do; 

She gave them some broth, 

Without any bread; 

And whipped them all soundly, 

And put them to bed!" 

I guess if old Santa Claus 
Knew about that, 

He’d ask that old lady 
Just what she was at! 

To spank all those children. 

And make them all cry! 

When they couldn’t help it. 

And never knew why! 

I guess old Saint Nick 

Has a lot more than she! 

And he’d not go crazy, 

And slap them, not he! 

He’d give them some candy. 

And tuck them in tight,— 

“Merry Christmas to all, 

And to all a Good Night!’’ 

Charles Irvin Junkin. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 2S 

Good Night 

For a little girl wearing a nightdress and carrying a candle. 

I don’t feel very sleepy, and it isn’t really late, 

But Santa Claus is coming and, you see, I just can’t 
wait; 

So I think I’ll hang my stocking here, and then blow 
out the light, 

And wish you all a very merry Christmas, and good 
night. # Ella Mary Hart. 

The Baby’s Stocking 

Hang up the baby’s stocking— 

Be sure you don’t forget'! 

The dear little dimpled darling, 

She ne’er saw Christmas yet; 

But I’ve told her all about it, 

And she opened her blue eyes, 

And I’m sure she understands it, 

She looks so funny and wise. 

Dear, what a tiny stocking! 

It doesn’t take much to hold 

Such little pink toes as baby’s 
Away from the frost and cold. 

But then for the baby’s Christmas 
It will never do at all; 

Why, Santa Claus wouldn’t be looking 
For anything half so small. 

I know what we’ll do for the baby, 

I’ve thought of the very best plan, 

I’ll borrow a stocking from Grandma, 

The largest ever I can; 

And you’ll hang it by mine, dear Mother, 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Right here in the corner so, 

And write a letter to Santa Claus 
And fasten it on the toe. 

Write, “This is the baby's stocking 
That hangs in the corner here; 

You have never seen her, Santa, 

For she only came this year; 

But she's the blessedest baby! 

And now beforfe you go 
Just cram her stocking with goodies, 

From the top clean down to the toe." 

O Christmas Tree! 

O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! 

What will you bear this year for me? 

Amid your candles’ sparkling sheen, 

Upon your spicy branches green, 

Already your delights I see, 

O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! 

O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! 

What shall your Christmas meaning be? 

That all the world shall glow and shine 
With just such little lights as mine 
That warm to other hearts I'll be, 

O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! 

O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! 

The fruits you bear shall mean to me 
That pleasant words and smiles shall fall 
The whole year long, like gifts, to all 
Of those I love and who love me, 

O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! 

Mary Bailey 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 25 

That Shocking Stocking 

Recitation to be given before imitation fireplace by small girl- 
holding a big stocking. 

This is where I hang my stocking 
Every Christmas Eve. 

Mother says its size is shocking 
Every Christmas Eve. 

But there’s this I must consider 
That each year I’m growing bigger 
Every Christmas Eve; 

Santa’ll want more room to put things, 

All the lovely things he brings 

Every Christmas Eve. Cora Allen . 

A Christmas Carol 

There’s a song in the air! 

There’s a star in the sky! 

There’s a mother’s deep prayer' 

And a baby’s low cry! 

And the star rains its fire while the Beautiful sing,. 
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King. 

There’s a tumult of joy 
O’er the wonderful birth, 

For the Virgin’s sweet boy 
Is the Lord of the earth. 

Ay! the star rains its fire and the Beautiful sing. 

For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King. 

In the light of that star 
Lie the ages impearled; 

And the song from afar 
Has swept over the world. 

Every home is aflame, and the Beautiful sing 
In the homes of the nations that Jesus is King. 


26 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

We rejoice in the light 
And we echo the song 
That comes down through the night 
From the heavenly throng. 

Ay, we shout to the lovely evangel they bring, 

And we greet in His cradle our Saviour and King. 

Josiah Gilbert Holland . 

The Shop Window 

There’s a wonderful window on Normandy Street, 

I saw it when passing one day, 

And I just had to stop, for it seemed that my feet 
Had refused to take me away. 

In the center, a marvelous Christmas tree stands. 

All covered with silver and gold, 

And I wished and I wished I might reach up my 
hands 

And grasp all I ever could hold. 

There’s a doll gayly dressed in her holiday gown, 
And her beautiful golden curls 
Have made her, I’m sure, the talk of the town, 

And the dream of all little girls. 

There are guns, there are drums, there are automo¬ 
biles, 

There are great big balloons on a string, 

There are horses and dogs and a “choo-choo” on 
wheels, 

There are pretty picture books, blocks—every¬ 
thing! 

And wished I might climb through that window 
and play 

With the hundreds of beautiful toys, 

For it seemed as I stood there that I heard them say. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


27 


“We were made just for small girls and boys.” 

So I dreamed till the darkness came on me because, 
Somehow, I awf’ly hated to leave; 

And since then Tve been hoping that old Santa Claus 
Won't forget me on this Christmas Eve. 

Ella Mary Hart . 

The First Christmas 

The sky is full of bright twinklers, 

But none so bright as that star 
Which guided those wonderful Wise Men 
Who came on their camels so far. 

The world is full of glad music, 

But no song such gladness can keep 
As the song of the beautiful angels 

To the men who were watching their sheep. 

The world is full of sweet babies, 

But never a baby so sweet 
As the one we find in a manger 

On the very first Christmas we meet. 

The Christmas Stars 

High over hills snow-laden, 

The stars look down to-night; 

Softly on southern meadows 
They shed their mellow light. 

On palm and pine their brooding 
Old scenes to us recall— 

The shepherds and the Wise Men, 

The Christ Child in the stall. 

Mabel J. B our quin. 



28 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Mr. Santa Claus 

A costume piece, companion to “Mrs. Santa Claus.” 

Dear children, again I’ve come to you, 

From the land of ice and snow; 

Though a year has passed since last we met. 
Yet no older do I grow. 

Oh, I’m just as young as I ever was, 

Fm always the same old Santa Claus. 

I hope you’ve been good this year, 

I think I have gifts for you all, 

I’m glad to see such hearty cheer 
When I make my Christmas call. 

Oh, I’m just as young as I ever was, 

I’m always the same old Santa Claus. 

Dear Mrs. Santa Claus needed an outing too. 
So she came along with me, 

She couldn’t climb down the chimney to you. 
But walked in the door, you see. 

Oh, I’m just as young as I ever was, 

I’m always the same old Santa Claus. 

I have your names in a book, right here, 

Let’s see if I find them all,— 

Yes, Second B, Second A, Lowell School, 
Have tried to be good this fall. 

Oh, I’m just as young as I ever was, 

I’m always the same old Santa Claus. 

Then get to work and hang for me 
Your stockings left or right, 

With name so plain that I’ll surely see 
When I make my call to-night. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


29 


Oh, I’m just as young as I ever was, 

I’m always the same old Santa Claus. 

Eva May Moss. 

NOTE: In the fourth stanza change grade and school to suit 
the locality. At the close of each verse Santa dances, flinging 
out arms and feet. He wears a suit of bright red outing flan¬ 
nel trimmed with white canton flannel; small bells are on the 
belt. 


Mrs. Santa Claus 

A costume piece, companion to “Mr. Santa Claus.” 

I’m Mrs. Santa Claus, my dears, 

Of course you all must know, 

For I’m dressed just like my husband here, 
You see, from top to toe. 

Our house is built on fields of ice, 

In Northland, far away. 

You’d surely think it very nice 
For many and many a day. 


We sit around a roaring fire, 

And make all kinds of toys, 

We work for love, so never tire 
Of it, dear girls and boys. 

Then too, I clean dear Santa’s clothes— 
They are a sight, oh, my!— 

With chimney soot; how do you s’pose 
I have the heart to try? 

You wonder why I came this year?— 
Don’t tell a single soul,— 

My dear old husband, good St. Nick, 

I fear is growing old. 

So I came down to help him some 
In giving out the toys, 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

That he might hurry fast back home, 

For all the girls and boys 

Want Santa Claus to come again 
For many and many a year; 

I thought that he might catch the grip 
If he should linger here. 

Then too, I wished to make a call 
And have a word to say, 

To wish you now, both one and all, 

A happy Christmas Day. 

Eva May Moss. 

A Christmas Carol 

“What means this glory round our feet,” 

The Magi mused, “more bright than morn?” 

And voices chanted clear and sweet, 

“To-day the Prince of Peace is born!” 

“What means that star?” the shepherds said, 
“That brightens through the rocky glen?” 

And angels, answering overhead, 

Sang, “Peace on earth, good will to men!” 

’Tis eighteen hundred years and more 
Since those sweet oracles were dumb; 

We wait for Him, like them of yore; 

Alas, He seems so slow to come! 

But it was said, in words of gold 
No time or sorrow e’er shall dim, 

That little children might be bold 
In perfect trust to come to Him. 

All round about our feet shall shine 
A light like that the Wise Men saw. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


3L 


If we our loving wills incline 

To that sweet Life which is the Law. 

So shall we learn to understand 
The simple faith of shepherds then, 

And, clasping kindly hand in hand, 

Sing, “Peace on earth, good will to men!” 

And they who do their souls no wrong, 

But keep at eve the faith of morn, 

Shall daily hear the angel-song, 

“To-day the Prince of Peace is born!” 

James Russell LowelL 

An Act of Courtesy 

(,Speaking in an important tone.) 

I'm most too large,—I hardly think 
I'll care, this year, for toys; 

I'd rather work at lessons, like 
The other girls and boys. 

(Unrolls very large stocking.) 

I'm not a “close” or greedy boy, 

I'm sure that's very clear; 

But, just to be polite, I'm going 
To hang this stocking here! 

(Hangs up stocking.) 

( Apologetically .) 

I'll hang it plain in Santa's sight, 

Where it may sure be found, 

Just so he'll feel at home, in case 
He happens to come 'round. 

Dora A. Mondore _ 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Santa 

To be recited just before the entrance of Santa Claus. 

Santa is a jolly man, 

Rosy, fat and round; 

’Way up in the northern land 
Santa's home is found. 

There, 'most all the long year through. 
Factories are filled 

Night and day with workingmen, 

Busy, strong and skilled. * 

Till at last, near Christmas Eve, 

Heaps and heaps of toys 

All stand ready to be sent 
To waiting girls and boys. 

Then Santa packs into his sleigh 
The heavy, precious load, 

And starts with merry whistle sweet 
Down the snowy road. 

On he speeds, and at each house 
Where little children live, 

He leaves a portion of his pack, 

For Santa loves to give. 

<Sleigh bells may here be rung behind the scene.) 

Hush! Listen! Seems to me I hear 
Just now a speeding sleigh! 

Oh! can it be dear Santa Claus 
A-coming down our way? 

(Santa enters) 


M. Louise Smith. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Hurrah! 

Hurrah for the time of merry Kris Kringle, 

Of feasting, of games, and of toys, 

Of sleigh-bells that jingle and fingers that tingle, 
And shouting of girls and of boys! 

Hurrah for the time when the Christmas tree, 
lighted, 

Is laden with tinsel and things, 

And all are excited and no one is slighted, 

And every one merrily sings! 

Hurrah for the season of glistening holly, 

Of playing and fun without pause, 

Of soldier and dolly and everything jolly, 

And best of all, old Santa Claus! 

Bethlehem 

Over the town of Bethlehem 
A glorious star shone bright, 

And filled the streets and winding ways 
With wondrous, radiant light. 

But heedless passers-by ne'er thought, 

Nor dreamed upon their way, 

That o'er this sad, sin-darkened world 
Was breaking dawn of day. 

Across the distant desert sands 
Three eager travelers came 
Into the town of Bethlehem, 

Led by that starry flame, 

And humble men from Judea's plains, 

With hurrying feet drew near; 

The star gleamed o'er a stable door 
With radiance soft and clear. 


• / 

CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

here in the town of Bethlehem 
Was earth made free from sin, 

As over gloom, and dark, and dread 
The Light of life shone in. 

Each heart be glad, each soul rejoice, 

While bells their tidings ring; 

For in the town of Bethlehem, 

Was born the Christ, our King. 

Nellie T. Burleson. 

Getting a Christmas Tree 

I know a boy in the city, 

And it seems so strange to me, 

He wrote and said that he hoped his dad 
Would buy him a Christmas tree. 

Now I never heard of buying one, 

’Cause in our little country town, 

When it’s time for getting a Christmas tree 
We just go and cut it down. 

We boys put our caps and mittens on, 

Then take a hatchet, and go 
Through the snowy woods till at last we come 
To the place where the fir trees grow. 

Then we take the one that we like the best, 
And we gather some bitter-sweet, 

Then home again, with the crispy snow 
Sparkling beneath our feet. 

I’m sorry for boys in the city, 

But they never knew, I suppose, 

That it’s half the'fun of a Christmas tree 
To get one right where it grows. 

Ella Mary Hart. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Christmas Eve 

The time draws near the birth of Christ; 

The moon is hid; the night is still; 

The Christmas bells from hill to hill 
Answer each other in the mist. 

Four voices of four hamlets round, 

From far and near, on mead and moor, 

Swell out and fail, as if a door 
Were shut between me and the sound: 

Each voice four changes on the wind, 

That now dilate, and now decrease, 

Peace and good-will, good-will and peace, 
Peace and good-will to all mankind. 

This year I slept and woke with pain, 

I almost wished no more to wake, 

And that my hold on life would break 
Before I heard those bells again: 

But they my troubled spirit rule, 

For they controll’d me when a boy; 

They bring me sorrow touch’d with joy, 

The merry, merry bells of Yule. 

Alfred Tennyson , in “In Memoriam” 

Fruit of the Christmas Tree 

Of all the trees in the woods and fields, 

There’s none like the Christmas tree; 

Tho’ rich and rare is the fruit he yields, 

The strangest of trees is he. 

Some drink their fill from shower or rill; 

No cooling draught needs he; 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


Some bend and break when the storms awake. 

But they reach not the Christmas tree. 

When the wintry winds thro’ the forests sweep 
And snow robes the leafless limb, 

When cold and still is the ice-bound deep, 

Oh, this is the time for him! 

Beneath the dome of the sunny home 
He stands, with all his charms; 

’Mid laugh and song from the youthful throng. 

As they gaze on his fruitful arms. 

There’s golden fruit on the Christmas tree, 

And gems for the fair and gay; 

The lettered page for the mind bears he, 

And robes for the wintry day. 

And there are toys for the girls and boys; 

And eyes that years bedim 
Grow strangely bright, with a youthful light 
As they pluck from the pendant limb. 

The Christmas Tree 

Last night it stood there slim and green 
With not one trinket to be seen! 

But oh, the splendid Christmas tree 
That in the morning greeted me! 

It’s such a shining, wondrous sight, 

And just grew that way over night! 

With toys it’s simply hanging thick— 

It’s quite as full as any tick! 

Oh, lovely, radiant, sparkling tree 
That Christmas brings to you and me! 

Daisy M. Moore . 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 37 

Christmas Greetings 

WELCOMING BELLS 

(Bells are heard as child comes onto stage , and he 
carries small red paper bells . 

These bells have come to wish you all, 

If you are large or if you're small, 

A merry, merry Christmas; 

We hope that Santa Claus'll bring 
The most and best of everything 
To make a merry Christmas. 

JACK FROST’S GREETING 

(Child dressed in white with cotton batting cap cov¬ 
ered with diamond dust.) 

Oh, I am little Jack Frost, you know; 

I've come from a land all covered with snow; 
I have come to wish you a merry day 
And a Christmas tree all bright and gay. 

DOLLY’S CHRISTMAS 

(Little girl dressed in stiffly starched dress with 
sash and large hair ribbon to represent doll . Walks 
onto stage very stiffly.) 

I'm a little Christmas dolly; 

I hope that each one feels quite jolly; 

I come to make little girls that way, 

And to wish you all a merry day. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

Santa Claus will soon be here 
To greet you one and all, 

So I’ll just say, “Merry Christmas," 

'Cause I'm not so very tall. 


38 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 
A HAPPY DAY 

A merry, merry Christmas 
To each and every one; 

We hope you’ll all enjoy the day, 

And have a heap of fun. 

A WISH 

I’ve come to wish you, every one, 

A pleasant afternoon; 

I hope you’ll all have lots of fun 
And come back very soon. 

Eloise M. Aldrich . 

Around the Christmas Tree 

’Round the Christmas tree we gather, 

Our hearts are light and gay; 

And right merrily we carol 
A joyful Christmas lay. 

Hark! hark! the bells all chime, 

Loud and clear at the Christmas time; 

Hark! hark! our songs of glee 
Round the shining Christmas tree. 

For Christmas time has come, and 
Its joys the world enfold; 

Such gifts as love bestoweth 
Our eyes shall now behold. 

The tree is all a-sparkle, 

Its tapers, burning bright, 

Show fruit that shall be gathered 
By loving hands to-night. 

On its branches, brightly glowing. 

What treasures do we find! 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 39 

The tree, revolving, showeth 
Dainty gifts of every kind. 

What though the snow is lying 
White over all the land? 

What matters it, while Christmas 
And joy go hand in hand? 

The Christmas Message 

We hear the Christmas message 
Brought to us long ago; 

Why have the centuries kept it fresh? 

Why do we prize it so? * 

Because it is rich with the gold of love 
That with bright, exhaustless flow 
From unfailing source in the Heart Divine 
Supplies our hearts below. 

And it tells of the tender, human bond, 

Since ever the world began. 

For it teaches the Fatherhood of God, 

The brotherhood of man. 

But how can we carry the tidings, 

Make each man as loving and true 
To the poor, the oppressed and the ldwly, 

As they are to me and you? 

Let them shine in thought and word and deed, 

As we work on the heavenly plan; 

And, blessed by the Fatherhood of God, 

Prove the brotherhood of man. 

Jane Andrews . 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

It Pays 

Why, lately I’ve been just as good 
As good can ever be, 

And Mother says she cannot tell 
What’s coming over me. 

I do not scold, I do not tease, 

I do not squirm about, 

And when I get the smallest piece 
I do not even pout. 

“Why, goodness me, she must be ill,” 

Says Mother, with a sigh; 

But Father says, “Now goodness pays 
When Christmas time is nigh.” 

Alma Edler . 


His Job 

I’m getting ready to apply 
For a new job, you see; 

I’m not so big but I could try, 

If he will just try me. 

You see, old Santa has to hire 
A lot of girls and boys, 

And it seems to me I’d never tire 
Of making pretty toys. 

And so I comb and brush my hair, 
And see if my tie’s straight; 

Put 1 on the best I’ve got to wear, 
I’m afraid I might be late. 

It 2 won’t be long till he’ll be here; 
Oh, my! I’m ’most afraid; 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


41 


He might let me hold his reindeer, 

If all the toys are made. 

3 And if he asks you how I'd be, 

Or if you think I'd do, 

Please speak a good word then for me, 
And 4 I’ll remember you. 

DIRECTIONS: For a very small boy, who has a small mir¬ 
ror in his hand. He may put it on a stand or hold it in his 
hand. He combs his hair and straightens tie, stopping now and 
then to look at audience. 1. Point to clothes. 2. Brush coat 
and look around toward chimney if there is one. 3. Put mirror 
and comb in pocket. Step forward. 4. Nod head and turn to 

leave - Emma R. Nichols. 


A Loving Heart 

Little gifts are precious, 

If a loving heart 
Helps the busy fingers 
As they do their part. 

Her Choice 

There's something that I’d like to be, 
But somehow I’m all mixed; 

If I could just be two, you see, 

Why then I’d have it fixed. 

I’d like to be old Santa’s girl, 

And watch him make the toys; 

I’d like to make the snow just whirl— 
Wonder if he has girls and boys. 

But then I love my papa dear, 

And I know he loves me, too; 

Old Santa lives so far from here; 

I wish he’d move, don’t you? 


42 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Papa says some day he’ll introduce 
Old Santa Claus to me; 

He laughs and says then I can choose 
Whose girl I want to be. 

Emma R. Nichols . 

How Santa Claus Came Down the Chimney 

Last Christmas Eve, when we were snug in bed, 

And all the lights were out, Tommy, he said, 

“I’d like to know how ’tis, with pack and all, 

That Santa Claus got down the chimney hole.” 

“Let’s lie awake and see, and then we’ll know; 
Won’t it be fun to see him squeezed up so?” 

And so we lay awake, but by and by 
I got to sleeping some with my left eye; 

But still I saw the chimney with my right; 

And by and by there came the queerest sight; 

A little man, no bigger than Tom Thumb, 

With a little pack no bigger than my drum, 

i 

Came sliding down the chimney more and more, 
Until he went kerbump upon the floor; 

And then he looked around the room a spell, 

But very soon his pack began to swell. 

It kept a-swelling more and more and more, 

Till it was bigger than the parlor door; 

And then I saw that it was full of toys 

And books and dolls, and things for girls and boys. 

And soon the little man had grown so tall 
He didn’t seem to be a dwarf at all; 

And then he took some things out of his pack 
And filled my stocking till I thought ’twould crack. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


43 


And then the pack grew small and small and small, 
Until it wasn't bigger’n' nothin' 'tall, 

And Santa Claus he was a dwarf once more, 

And climbed up back as he had come before. 

Then just as Santa Claus got out of sight 
I opened my left eye, and it was light, 

And there were all the things for Tommy 'n' me, 
A-bursting out, just as I knew they'd be. 

But when I told him, Tommy laughed and said, 

I was a foolish little sleepy head, 

But by and by, he said, “It must be so, 

Bor Santa Claus has left the things, you know." 

Clarence Hawkes. 


The Reason 

Do you folks all know it's Christmas? 

Santa Claus is on his way 
With his toys and little reindeer. 

Do you all know that, I say? 

That's the reason we are smiling, 

That's the reason we're so gay; 

Christmas is a merry season— 

We all love this happy day. 

Cora Allen . 

Jolly Old Santa 

Jolly old Santa Claus comes on Christmas night, 
Scrambles down the chimney when we've put out the 
light; 

Bills every stocking up full from top to toe, 

Then scrambles out again, and off his reindeer go. 

Monira F. McIntosh . 


44 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Greetings to Santa 

A little girl stands near a toy telephone, which may either 
hang on the wall or stand on a table. A chair stands near. 

I s'pose he's far too busy now 
To answer me by phone; 

But I will show you I know how 
To call up all alone! 

(Takes the receiver.) 

Hello, Central! Toll Line—yes— 

(Puts receiver hack, and sits down.) 

I will sit and wait. 

Santa's working hard, I guess, 

Hope I'm not too late! 

(The telephone rings. The child jumps up and 
speaks into it.) 

I want to speak to Mr. Claus, 

North Pole. Please charge to me! 

(Hangs up receiver. Turns to audience .) 

I'm always nice to Central, 'cause 
Politeness pays, you see. 

(Telephone rings. She listens.) 

“All lines busy?" Well, good-day. 

Thank you just the same. 

(To audience.) 

I’ll send a letter right away, 

And plainly sign my name. 

I’ll tell him where he’d better climb, 

And in my nicest way 

I'll wish for him a merry time, 

Like ours, on Christmas Day. 

Daisy D. Stephenson . 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


45 


The Bethlehem Way 

Three Kings came o’er the eastern sands 
With richest offering in their hands, 

Fine gold, sweet frankincense and myrrh,—• 
With hearts aglow and hopes astir, 

Led by the light of lambent Star 
Where Judah’s hill arose, afar. 

Three Kings, each of a different race, 

On soft sands urged their steeds apace; 

Thus youth, and age, and stalwart prime,— 

In reckoning of Holy time, 

The sons of Japheth, Ham and Shem,— 

Passed forward on to Bethlehem. 

Three Kings the world led in their train, 

And though they long in dust have lain, 

Their gifts bestowed on bended knee 
Still lead to Christ most holily; 

For see, along Time’s beaten trail 
Each year the races without fail 
With loving gifts on Christmas Day 
Fare forth upon the Bethlehem way. 

Annie Winfrey Meek. 

Playing Santa Claus 

Now Christmas is over, I’m aching to tell 
How I played I was Santa, I liked it so well; 

On a nice apple I had, so large and so red, 

I wrote Grandma’s name, and tied on with thread; 

Then in her work-basket I put it with care, 

And hoped she would think Santa Claus had been 
there. 


46 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

I watched till she found it. She said, “Who'd have 
thought! 

This must be an apple that Santa Claus brought.” 

I hid in a corner and laughed—full of glee— 

To think Grandma's Santa was only just me. 

A case for his glasses I made my papa, 

And an apron so dainty for precious Mamma; 

My grandma she helped me to keep out of sight 
Any untidy stitches, and do it all right. 

“Santa Claus even thinks of such old folks as we!” 
Exclaimed my papa as he called me to see. 

And Mamma sweetly said, “Nothing nicer than this 
Could Santa have brought me,” and gave me a kiss. 

I like to play Santa, and now I've begun, 

I mean every Christmas to keep up the fun. 

Christmas Gifts 

Long, long ago, the Wise Men 
Followed a shining star; 

With gold and fragrant spices 
They traveled from afar. 

They came with eager gladness 
Their costly gifts to bring, 

In grateful love and worship 
To Christ, the new-born King. 

We celebrate His birthday 
Again, and yet again, 

With gifts in glad remembrance 
Of God's great Gift to men. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


47 


The loving words of Jesus, 

O’er fair Judea’s hills, 

Adown the centuries ringing, 

Come echoing to us still— 

“Each little gift ye proffer 
My watchful eye shall see; 

If done for these, my brethren, 
Ye’ve done it unto me.” 

Christmas Secrets 

Secrets big and secrets small, 

On the eve of Christmas; 

Such keen ears has ev’ry wall 
That we whisper, one and all, 

On the eve of Christmas. 

As you’re coming up the stair, 

On the eve of Christmas, 

Watch each footstep with great care, 
Secrets sweet are hidden there 
On the eve of Christmas. 

Secrets upstairs, secrets down, 

On the eve of Christmas; 

Papa brings them from the town, 
Wrapped in papers stiff and brown, 
On the eve of Christmas. 

But the secret best of all— 

On the eve of Christmas, 

Steals right down the chimney tall, 
Fills our stockings great and small, 
On the eve of Christmas. 


48 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 
A Christmas Thought 
Oh, Christmas is coming again, you say, 

And you iong for the things he is bringing; 

But the costliest gift may not gladden the day, 

Nor help on the merry bells’ ringing. 

Some getting is losing, you understand, 

Some hoarding is far from saving; 

What you hold in your hand may slip from your hand; 
There is something better than having: 

We are richer for what we give; 

And only by giving we live. 

Your last year’s presents are scattered and gone; 

You have almost forgot who gave them; 

But the loving thoughts you bestow live on 
As long as you choose to have them. 

Love, love is your riches, though ever so poor; 

No money can buy that treasure; 

Yours always, from robber and rust secure, 

Your own, without stint or measure: 

It is only love that we can give; 

It is only by loving we live. 

For who is it smiles through the Christmas mom— 
The Light of the wide creation ? 

A dear little Child in a stable born, 

Whose love is the world’s salvation. 

He was poor on earth, but He gave us all 
That can make our life worth the living; 

And happy the Christmas day we call 
That is spent, for His sake, in giving: 

He shows us the way to live, 

Like Him, let us love and give! 

Lucy Larcom. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 49 
When Christmas Comes 
When Christmas comes, I never mind the cold. 

I like to get up prompt an' go to school, 

An’ do my sums, 

An’ clean the walks ’thout waitin' to be told— 
Though I like sleddin’ better, as a rule, 

Or buildin’ forts— But nothin’ ain’t so bad, 

When Christmas comes. 

When Christmas comes, I’d just as lief give half 
My cooky to the baby, an’ take care 
About the crumbs. 

It’s fun to make the little fellow laugh, 

An’ I don’t mind his taggin’ ev’rywhere. 

He can’t help bein’ little! I’m not mad 
When Christmas comes. 

When Christmas comes, I don’t forget to give 
My shoes a wipe, an’ scrub my ears a lot 
Till my head hums. 

An’ Mother says, “That boy’s too good to live!” 

But I’m not ’fraid of dyin’, cause I’m not 
No different from always—only glad 
When Christmas comes! 

Abigail Williams Burton . 

“The Man on Our Street” 

Our town had a outdoor Chris’mas tree 
Saturday night! It looked great—gee, 

Ev’ry kid in town was there, 

An’ all their folks, too, jus’ packed the square. 
An’ when the lights was turned on, they 
Was all struck in a heap—an’ say! 

I never seen a thing so bright, 

All lit green ’n’ red ’n’ white! 


50 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

(Next day The Man on Our Street said, 
“Trees don’t make Chris’mas, Ted,” 

An’—he was right.) 

The Santy Claus, he was a dandy, 

He guv each kid a stockin’—candy! 

I guess I got a half pound, sure, 

Jim Dean got more—his folks is poor— 
Beside the candy there was toys, 

Some fer girls, some fer us boys. 

Some fellers wasn’t too polite 
To crowd right in, ’n’ push ’n’ fight! 
(“Pshaw!” The Man on Our Street said, 
“Stockin’s don’t make Chris’mas, Ted,” 
An’—he was right.) 

They throwed some carols on a screen. 
An’ we all sang—me an’ Jim Dean 
Tried to see which could sing the most. 
An’ he did easy. (But he don’t boast. 
That’s why I like Jim—better’n Lew, or 
Skinny Smith—but my! his folks is poor!) 
I liked that song best, “Silent Night,” 

I wish’ they’d sung it twice—they might! 
(“Well,” The Man on Our Street said, 
“Singin’ don’t make Chris’mas, Ted,” 
An’—he was right.) 

I wish’t they’d have one ev’ry year, 

So folks’d come from far an’ near— 

Not so much for the things they git; 

But ta see the crowds ’n’ the tree all lit, 
Ta feel ’at all the whole thing’s for 
Is ta make folks like each other more; 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 51 

’At while the tree’s a smashin’ sight, % 

The show ain’t all of it, quite! 

(“Now,” The Man on Our Street said, 

“It’s lovin’ the kids makes Chris’mas, Ted,” 

An’—he was right.) 

Sing a Song 

Sing a song of Christmas, 

Stockings full of toys, 

All things in Santa’s pack 
For merry girls and boys. 

Which Is Your Way? 

“Christmas is a time for getting ,” said Rob Brown. 
“Christmas is a time for giving said Ned Lown. 

So Rob asked his father to give him some skates 
And thought Aunt Eliza might buy him some dates. 

Ned thought that his father might like a new tie, 
And he bought Aunt Maria a knife to cut pie. 

Rob wanted his sister to get him a sled, 

And big brother Dan a warm cap for his head. 

Ned thought his wee sister might like a new doll, 
And, maybe, his brother’d be glad of a ball. 

Rob hoped that his mother would knit him some 
mittens— 

And Jimmie Green’d give him one of his kittens. 

Ned thought he’d make Mother a box for the bread— 
And give playmate John a sled, painted red. 

Now which do you think had the happier day? 

And which, I do wonder, just which is your way? 

Cora Allen . 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Gift and Giver 

Not the gift the gift doth measure, 

Be the boon how rich or rare; 

But the giver's self we treasure— 

’Tis his love we long to share. 

No mere dole from purse or basket 
Ever yet true alms did make; 

That is but the empty casket, 

Little worth for its own sake. 

More than money men are needed 
In this world that needs so much; 

Men whose bounty is exceeded 
By their hands’ fraternal touch. 

Philip B. Strohg . 

The Christmas Stocking 

I was going to hang up my stocking 

(Holds up tiny white sock.) 

But then it’s too small, you see; 

For I told old Santa Claus to bring 
The biggest things to me. 

I want a great big engine, 

And an Irish mail to ride, 

I want a flexible flyer, 

And an automobile beside. 

So I talked it over with Grandpa; 

He said, “You do, do you!” 

He went to Grandma’s bureau 

And said, “D’you think this’ll do?” 

(Holds up large white stocking.) 

Julia DeWitt Stevens. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

A Welcome 

I'm not so very large, you see, 

My wants are very small; 

I only want a Christmas tree, 

A doll, and that is all. 

I like our dear old Santa Claus, 

He'll surely come this way; 

I wish for you before I pause, 

A happy Christmas Day. 

A. D. Haines. 


All He Wants 

Don't want much for Christmas,— 
Just some wooden blocks, 

Dozen pounds o’ candy 
Done up in a box; 

And a bag of marbles; 

And a lot of books; 

And a pole for fishing, 

Lines, and several hooks; 

Three or four small steamboats; 

Ten or twenty cents; 

And a small, toy farmyard 
Surrounded by a fence; 

One small bowling alley; 

A suit of soldier clo’es; 

Music-box, an' organ; 

Punch and Judy shows; 

Bow and arrow; also, 

Possibly, a gun; 

And a putty-blower 
Would be lots of fun; 

Elephants and lions 


54 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

That would walk and roar, 

After they were wound, 

Up and down the floor. 

These, and several others, 

Hanging on the tree, 

I’ve about decided 

Would be enough for me. 

Christmas Day 

By a beautiful road our Christmas comes, 

A road full twelve months long; 

And every mile is as warm as a smile, 

And every hour is a song. 

Flower and flake, and cloud and sun, 

And the winds that riot and sigh, 

Have their work to do ere the dreams come true 
And Christmas glows in the sky. 

To the beautiful home our Christmas comes, 

The home that is safe and sweet, 

With its door ajar for the beam of the Star, 

And its corner for love’s retreat. 

There the mark on the wall for the golden head 
Is higher a bit, for lo! 

Between Christmas coming and Christmas sped 
There’s time for the bairn to grow. 

The fair white fields in silence lie, 

Invisible angels go 

Over the floor that sparkles hoar 
With the glitter of frost and snow. 

And they scatter the infinite balm of heaven 
Wherever on earth they stay, 

And heaven’s own bliss they pour 
On the earth each Christmas Day. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 55 

Tis a beautiful task our Christmas brings, 

For old and young to share, 

With jingle of bells and silvery swells 
Of music in the air. 

To make the sad world merry awhile, 

And to frighten sin away, 

And to bless us all, whatever befall, 

Is the task of Christmas Day. 

Margaret E. Sangster . 

Heaven’s Gift 

Christmas Day, Christmas Day! 

Jesus slept upon the hay, 

Just a little baby boy, 

Heaven’s precious gift of joy. 

Happy songs to-day we sing, 

Gifts of love to Him we bring. 

Jesus, Savior, meek and mild, 

Loves each precious little child. 

T. B. Weaver . 

The Earth Has Grown Old 

The earth has grown old with its burden of care, 

But at Christmas it always is young; 

The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair, 

And its soul full of music breaks forth on the air, 
When the song of the angels is sung. 

It is coming, Old Earth, it is coming to-night! 

On the snowflakes that cover thy sod 
The feet of the Christ Child fall gentle and white, 
And the voice of the Christ Child tells out with de¬ 
light 

That mankind are the children of God. 


56 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

On the sad and the lowly, the wretched and poor. 
The voice of the Christ Child shall fall; 

And to every blind wanderer open the door 
Of hope that he dared not to dream of before, 

With a sunshine of welcome for all. 

The feet of the humblest may walk in the field 
Where the feet of the Holiest have trod, 

This, this is the marvel to mortals revealed 
When the silvery trumpets of Christmas have pealed. 
That mankind are the children of God. 

Phillips Brooks . 


The Message of Christmas 

Only a Song in the calm of the night 
But the dreamer awakened in joy; 

And shepherds in ecstasy knelt at the sight 

Of angels borne down from the gateway of Light, 
To herald blest Bethlehem's Boy. 

Only a Star on the face of the night 

Where the feet of the faithful pressed on; 

But it lighted the dark of the on-rushing years, 

It parted the mists of Earth's heartaches and fears. 
As over Judea it shone. 

Only a Cry in the heart of the night, 

But the Mother-heart heard it, and thrilled; 

And Earth, at the sound of that faint infant voice, 

Called out to the Moon and the Stars to rejoice, 

For God's greatest pledge was fulfilled. 

Only a Bell through the hush of the night, 

But the feet of the hurrying cease. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 57 

The lover, the scomer, the grave, and the gay 
Pause, harking the truths that the Christmas bells say, 
And blessing their message of peace. 

For the Song of the angels, the light of the Star, 

The Voice of the incarnate Word, 

Thrill ever and ever the tongues of the bells, 

Till each dawning Christmas the story compels, 
Wherever their echo is heard. 

Phila Butler Bowman. 

Scaring Santa 

Do you know what I'd like to do 
When Santa comes a-knocking? 

I'd like to squeeze up a little, 

And hide behind my stocking. 

Then when he opened his packet. 

I'd say “Boo!” just for fun, 

And maybe it would scare him 

So he'd leave his presents and run— 
Oh-h-h! wouldn't that be fun? 

A Christmas Eve Thought 

If Santa Claus should stumble 
As he climbs the chimney tall, 

With all this ice upon it, 

I'm afraid he'd get a fall 
And smash himself to pieces, 

To say nothing of the toys! 

Dear me, what sorrow that would bring 
To all the girls and boys. 

So I’m going to write a note, 

And pin it on the gate; 

I’ll write it large so he can see 


58 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

No matter if it’s late, 

And say, “Dear Santa Claus, don’t try 
To climb the roof to-night; 

But walk right in, the door’s unlocked. 

The nursery’s on the right.” 

Santa Claus 

I shook hands with Santa Claus, 

In a great big store; 

He was up in Toyland there 
On the seventh floor. 

He looked just e’zactly like 
He does ip a book, 

Only I could see his eyes 
With their twinkly look. 

I could see his funny mouth 
Drawn up like a bow, 

And I touched his great long beard, 
White, as white as snow. 

Now when Christmas Eve is here 
And he comes around, 

I shall never try to peep; 

I’ll just sleep real sound! 

Anna Medary. 

When Daddy Lights the Tree 

We have our share of ups and downs, 

Of cares like other folk; 

The pocketbook is sometimes full, 

We’re sometimes nigh dead broke; 

But once a year, at Christmas time, 

Our hearth is bright to see; 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


59 


The baby's hand just touches heaven 
When Daddy lights the tree. 

For weeks and weeks the little ones 
Have lotted on this hour; 

And Mother, she has planned for it 
Since summer's sun and shower. 

With here a nickel, there a dime, 

Put by where none could see, 

A loving hoard against the night 
When Daddy lights the tree. 

The tiny tapers glow like stars; 

They 'mind us of the flame 
That rifted once the steel blue sky 
The morn the Christ-Child came; 

The blessed angels sang to earth 
Above that far countree— 

We think they sing above our hearth 
When Daddy lights the tree. 

The weest child in Mother's arms 
Laughs out and claps her hands, 

The rest of us on tiptoe wait; 

The grown-up brother stands 
Where he can reach the topmost branch 
Our Santa Claus to be, 

In that sweet hour of breathless joy 
When Daddy lights the tree. 

Our grandpa says 'twas just as fine 
In days when he was young; 

For every Christmas, ages through, 

The happy bells have rung. 

And Daddy's hair is growing gray, 

But yet a boy is he. 


60 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


As merry as the rest of us, 

When Daddy lights the tree. 

Tis Love that makes the world go round, 

Tis Love that lightens toil, 

’Tis Love that lays up treasure which 
Nor moth nor rust can spoil; 

And Love is in our humble home, 

In largesse full and free,— 

We all are very close to heaven 
When Daddy lights the tree. 

Margaret E. Sangster. 

What We Can Give 

Though we may not all be able 
To give Christmas presents rare, 

There are many things we may give 
With a happy, cheerful air. 

We may give kind deeds and wishes, 

We may gladly do our parts 
To help and share with others 
The Christmas in our hearts. 

Margaret Noble . 

What Sound is This? 

What sound is this that greets the morn; 

That o’er the land to-day is borne? 

It is the chime of Christmas bells; 

Their merry music sinks and swells, 

And floating on the frosty air, 

Sounds joy and gladness everywhere. 

Hark! hark! the bells, the joyous bells, 
Sweet is the tale their chiming tells. 

The tale of a glad Christmas morn, 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 61 

When angel songs afar were borne, 

And “peace on earth” was wafted wide 
Upon the air of Christmastide. 

Oh, hearts, rejoice! the world is bright, 

Bathed in the sun’s refulgent light; 

Sound, sound abroad the sweet refrain, 

The Christmas-time has come again. 

Your Christmas Tree 

Within your hearts a Christmas tree 
This day is set a-growing, 

That on its branches you may hang 
The gifts most worth the showing. 

A sunny smile, a pleasant word, 

For everyone about you, 

And willing hands, to make folks feel 
They cannot do without you. 

An honest speech, a fearless eye, 

A kindness without measure,— 

Tis gifts like these upon your trees 
That give the sweetest pleasure. 

Emery Pottle . 

The Little Christmas Tree 

The Christmas day was coming, the Christmas eve 
drew near; 

The fir trees they were talking low at midnight cold 
and clear, 

And this was what the fir trees said, all in the pale 
moonlight, 

Now which of us shall chosen be to grace the holy 
night ? 


62 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

The tall trees and the goodly trees raised each a lofty 
head, 

In glad and secret confidence, though not a word they 
said; 

But one, the baby of the band, could not restrain a 
sigh; 

“You all will be approved,” he said, “but oh, what 
chance have I? 

“I am so small, so very small, no one will mark or know 

How thick and green my needles are, how true my 
branches grow; 

Few toys or candles could I hold, but heart and will 
are free, 

And in my heart of hearts I know I am a Christmas 
tree.” 

The Christmas angel hovered near; he caught the 
grieving word, 

And laughing low he hurried forth with love and pity 
stirred. 

He sought and found St. Nicholas, the dear old Christ¬ 
mas saint, 

And in his kind, fatherly ears rehearsed the fir tree's 
plaint. 

Saints are all-powerful, we know, so it befell that day 

That, ax on shoulder, to the grove a woodman took his 
way. 

One baby girl he had at home, and he went forth to 
find 

A little tree as small as she, just suited to his mind. 

O glad and proud the baby-fir, amid its brethren tall. 

To be thus chosen and singled out, the first among 
them all. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 63 

He stretched his fragrant branches, his little heart 
beat fast, 

He was a real Christmas tree; he had his wish at last. 

One large and shining apple with cheeks of ruddy 
glow, 

Six tapers and a tiny doll, were all that he could hold. 
The baby laughed, the baby crowed, to see the tapers 
bright; 

The forest baby felt the joy and shared in the delight. 

And when at last the tapers died, and when the baby 
slept, 

The little fir in the silent night a patient vigil kept, 
Though scorched and brown his needles were, he had 
no heart to grieve,— 

“I have not lived in vain,” he said. ‘Thank God for 
Christmas Eve!” Susan Coolidge. 

The Soft Spot in B 606 

I 

Bells were pealing faintly, somewhere in the dis¬ 
tance, when B 606 was released from the punish¬ 
ment cells. Somewhere there was merriment and 
chiming of bells—but not in the great grim walls of 
the English prison; not in the grim, hardened heart 
of convict B 606. 

B 606, for the six days just past, had been on bread 
and water in one of the punishment cells. He had 
been violent, and abusive to one of the warders. B 
606 was a “tough ’un.” In Portland prison no one 
was more closely watched in all the sullen, gray-coat 
ranks. 


64 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

11 

“Merry Christmas,” someone chanted in his ears 
as he shuffled into line with his mates on the parade 
ground. A loud laugh followed, as if it were a good 
joke to be merry at Christmas in Portland prison. 
But the man—he was still a man—with the round 
badge marked with “B 606” on his gray jacket 
started discernibly at the sound of the two words in 
his ear. Under the hard mask of his sullen face 
something like pain worked dimly. When had he 
heard those two words before? Who had said them 
in his ear? 

III 

“Front rank, two paces to left—march!” The 
governor of the prison strode about, giving low¬ 
voiced orders to the guards. His keen, shaven face 
was softened a little by the Christmas “peace, good 
will” that had crept into it. He laughed out cheerily, 
now and then, and spoke a kind word to some num¬ 
bered convict in the lines. At sight of B 606 the 
stern lines tightened about his lips again. The 
Christmas look vanished. “Keep a lookout, Char¬ 
ley,” he muttered to the nearest warder. “He's a 
slippery one—there’s blood in his eye to-day. No 
knowing how he’ll celebrate Christmas!” 

“He’s luny,” growled the warder, surlily. 
“ ’Twon’t noways inconvenience me w’en he slings 
his hook. They ain’t no soft spot in ’im.” 

“Well, keep a lookout a while longer, Charley. 
Watch out sharp. He’ll be out in a matter of six 
months now.” 

IV 

What’s six months’ time to nine years and a half? 
But B 606 felt no exultation. He had long since 




CHRISTMAS PLATS AND RECITATIONS 65 

ceased to tell off the months on his fingers. It did 
not matter one way or another that he was almost 
“out.” The old despair and numbness in his heart 
had deadened hope long since. 

The day lagged on inside the walls of Portland 
prison. Outside it was merry Christmas, and the 
people made merry among their own. In the after¬ 
noon the chief warder approached the convict in the 
blue cap with the number B 606 on his jacket, with 
a message from the governor. He was wanted at the 
receiving office. 

B 606 strode along beside the warder indifferently. 
It did not occur to him to wonder at the unusual sum¬ 
mons. It could only mean some fresh punishment— 
it didn't matter. But they had arrived at the receiv¬ 
ing office. A little child was standing there beside 
a calm-faced Sister of Charity. The convict stared 
at them both in dull wonder. But at the sound of 
the child's voice he started violently. 

V 

“Merry Christmas, daddy!” it said shyly in his 
ear. The slender little figure crossed to him and 
slipped a small brown hand into his hand. “Won't 
you say ‘Merry Christmas' back, daddy? It was 
such a piece of work to get here. I guess you'd 
never think how hard it was to get an order to come! 
It was the Sister who did it. You see, she promised 
mother to bring me. Mother's dead.” 

For a moment it was silent in the dismal room. 
The governor turned away to gaze out of the win¬ 
dow, and the warder's rough face softened. Then 
the childish voice began again: 

“She tried to wait, daddy—guess you'd never 


66 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

think how hard she tried! But when she knew she 
couldn’t, she got everything ready for you, and told 
me to wait instead. I’m waiting now, daddy—it’s 
lonesome—you’d never think how lonesome it is! 
But I keep counting the days off. Every night I cross 
one out. Daddy, ’spose you know—there’s only a 
hundred an’ eighty-seven left. There won’t be but 
a hundred an’ eighty-six to-night, after I’ve crossed 
out. Mother always kept count—my, there used to 
be thousands of days once! You can begin to expect 
when there’s only a hundred an’ eight-six. When 
it’s only one day left—my, think of that, daddy! 
Mother used to. An’ I know just what I’m going to 
do, then—just exactly, Mother an’ I used to practice 
together, I guess you’d never guess how many times. 
She told me just how I was to tidy up the kitchen an’ 
put the kettle all ready to boil, and be sure to re¬ 
member the chair you always liked to sit in—an’ the 
g’ranium. Oh, daddy, mother and I used to hope so 
it would be in bloom that day! An’ the supper— 
mother showed me how to make muffins, you know, 
an’ broil the steak an’ set the cups an’ plates on tidy. 
There wasn’t anything mother didn’t show me about, 
when she found she couldn’t wait. She said for me 
to put on her white apron an’ stretch up tall, an’ 
smile. I guess you’d never think how much we prac¬ 
ticed. The last time mother cried a little, but that 
was because she was so tired. I cried, too. It was 
that night mother died. I—it’s very lonesome now, 
daddy, but I’m waiting. You’ll come right home, 
won’t you, daddy? That was why she wanted the 
Sister to bring me—to make sure.” 

The great hard fingers had closed around the small 
brown ones. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 67 

The tears were trailing over the rough cheeks of 
B 606. The Sister’s calm face was broken into lmes 
of weeping. 

“I’m ’most twelve now, daddy. You mustn’t mind 
how little I am—I can stretch up tall! An’ you’ll 
laugh to see how I can keep house for you. There’s 
a woman on the third floor helps me when I forget 
how mother said to do. I’ve got a hundred and 
eighty-six days more to practice in, daddy. Daddy, 
won’t you say ‘Merry Christmas’ ”? 

If he said it no one heard but the child. He caught 
her to him and buried his face in her soft hair. The 
sound of his sobbing seemed to fill the room. 

VI 

The new year came and grew on familiar terms 
with the world. Spring crept into the lanes and 
turned them green, and even the files of gray-coated 
convicts at their quarrying drew in the warm sweet 
breaths and, in their way, rejoiced. The heart of 
one of them lightened within him as day followed 
day. On the walls of his cell he crossed off each one 
as it passed, and counted eagerly those that were 
left. They grew very few. 

He “practiced” the home-going over and over, 
alone in his cell. It kept him happy and softened 
the fierce, angry light in his eyes. He grew peace¬ 
able and quiet among his mates. The warders talk¬ 
ed of it in amazement. 

One summer day B 606 “went out.” Across the 
strip of sea a child was waiting for him. The room 
was tidied and the kettle put on to boil, and in the 
sunny window the geranium was all in bloom. A 
new life had begun, and the prison shackles fell 


68 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


away from him. He was no longer B 606. He was 
a man among men, and a child’s faith and love 
strengthened him .—Annie Hamilton Donnell . 


LESSON-TALK 

This beautiful story of the Christmastide will be 
sure to appeal to any audience. It will be found 
simple of delivery but very effective. 

I 

Begin slowly in a natural, conversational voice. 
Bring out the emphatic words that serve to establish 
the scene. Color the adjectives like “great” and 
“grim,” conveying the idea of the dismalness of the 
great prison. 

The voice takes on a new pitch as you begin the 
second paragraph. Let the word action become a 
trifle more rapid. Of course, there is no attempt at 
gesture. 

II 

Give the words “Merry Christmas,” mockingly. 
Color the word 'shuffled.” Emphasize “good joke.” 
Give “merry at Christmas in Portland prison” sarcas¬ 
tically. 

Change the manner quickly on the next sentence, 
“But the man,” etc. Carry hand to opposite shoul¬ 
der to indicate badge. Color the word “started” and 
give a little quick movement of the body. Empha¬ 
size “when” and “who” of the last two sentences of 
this paragraph. Wrinkle brow in the effort of try¬ 
ing to recall where he had heard these words. Cast 
the eyes floorward, also. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 69 

III 

Do not come out of last position too quickly. Give 
the order in sharp, decisive tones, head held high. 
Body straight. Soften to a conversational tone with 
next line. Bring out the adjectives in the description 
that follows. 

Turn head a little to right as you speak for the 
governor. The tones are low and in a monotone. 
Point over left with a quick gesture on “He’s a slip¬ 
pery one.” Emphasize “he’ll.” 

Speak to the left for the warders reply. This 
answer comes in gruff tones. Speak with earnest¬ 
ness on “ain’t no soft spot.” 

Again, speak to the right for the governor. Bring 
jut “six months.” 


IV 

This paragraph is simply rendered. Lay left hand 
on heart as you speak of the “numbness in his heart.” 

Color “lagged on,” by prolonging the words. Give 
value to “outside.” In the last line of this paragraph, 
emphasize “wanted” and “receiving office.” The 
next paragraph offers nothing unusual for considera¬ 
tion. Carry out the idea of “started violently.” 

V 

Imitate the high, childish tones for the child. 
Look up as you speak for her as she would look up 
into her father’s face. Point to the left as you speak 
of the Sister. Emphasize “mother.” Pause before 
you say “mother’s dead,” and give it in a different 
tone. 

Be careful to keep the childish tones all through 
the child’s speech. Sigh heavily on “it’s lonesome.” 


70 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Give “one hundred and eighty-seven” joyfully. On 
“stretch up tall” draw shoulders up, as though try¬ 
ing to increase height. Put entreaty into “you’ll 
come right home,” also into the “Daddy, won’t you 
say 'Merry Christmas’?” 

Give value to “if” in the next paragraph. On 
“caught her to him” fold one arm over the other 
across chest, then drop head on chest on “buried his 
face.” 

VI 

Take a step forward and let the voice be calm, 
natural and conversational. Draw in a deep breath 
on “drew in the warm, sweet breaths.” 

Let the hand sweep forward, palm down, on 
“across the sea.” On “prison shackles fell away” 
carry both hands a little out from side and let them 
descend. Hold head high on “Man among men.” 
Let hand rest outspread on chest on “faith and love,”" 
holding it there to end of recitation —Grace B. Faxon . 


Songs 

Song of the Christmas Greens 

Tune: “Jingle Bells” 

The birds and flowers are gone, 

And we are left alone; 

They’ve left us in their place, 

To guard their summer home. 
Whatever folk may say, 

The woods are not so drear; 

Our colors, red and green, 

Foretell the Christmas cheer. 

Chorus— 

Tra la la, here we are, 

Winter’s great delight, 

Evergreens and holly, too, 

With berries all so bright. 

Tra la la, tra la la, 

Nothing can us harm, 

The frost, the snow, the wintry blast, 
They give us no alarm. 

The summer’s scorching rays 
Fill us with blighting fear; 

We love the wintry days, 

We’re thankful now they’re here. 
So come, Jack Frost, and tell 
The joys you’ll bring once more; 


72 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

The bright December days, 

For us you have in store. 

Chorus— 

Rah! rah! rah! Oh, how fine 
The frosty air does seem! 

It never hurts us—not one bit — 

Our leaves are always green. 

Rah! rah! rah! Oh, how fine 
The frosty air does seem! 

It never hurts us—not one bit— 

Our leaves are always green. 

Sing a Song of Christmas 

Tune: “Marching Through Georgia” 

Sing a song of Christmas time and all the joys it 
brings, 

Games and toys and candy bags and yards of pop¬ 
corn strings, 

Santa Claus and Christmas trees and other jolly 
things, 

Oh, welcome, Merry Christmas! 

Chorus— 

Hurrah! hurrah! The Christmas Day is here! 

Hurrah! hurrah! The time of jolly cheer! 

Christmas is the nicest day of all the happy year, 
Oh, welcome, Merry Christmas! 

Sing a song of Santa Claus a-sailing through the air, 
With his team of tiny deer and hosts of presents rare; 
He scatters Christmas pleasures for the children 
everywhere, 

Oh, welcome, Merry Christmas! —Chorus 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 73 

Many, many years ago, a little baby lay 

In a stable with the sheep, his bed upon the hay, 

And angels hovered near the earth that first glad 
Christmas day, 

Oh, welcome, Merry Christmas! —Chorus 

Out upon the lonely hill some shepherds watched by 
night, 

And as they lay upon the ground they saw a won¬ 
drous sight, 

There came upon them from the skies a host of 
angels bright, 

Oh, welcome, Merry Christmas! . —Chorus 

“Be not afraid,” the angels sang, “good news to you 
we bring, 

Of peace on earth, good will to men; let men and 
angels sing”; 

And so o'er all the world to-night the Christmas bells 
shall ring, 

Oh, welcome, Merry Christmas! —Chorus 

Star So Bright 

Motion Song—Tune: “Sweet and Low” 

Star (1) so bright, 

Star so bright, 

Over the desert sands, 

Star so bright, 

Star so bright, 

Over the desert sands; 

Brighter (2) than lamps of the star or the moon, 

Brighter than morning or burst of the noon, 

Shine (3) o'er the Child divine. 

Star (4) so beautiful, star so beautiful, shine. 


74 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Star (5) so bright, 

Star so bright, 

Shepherds (6) are hastening on; 

Hark (7) bright wings, 

Angels sing, 

Judah’s dark night is gone. 

Brighter (8) than lamps of the star or the moon* 
Brighter than morning or burst of the noon 
Shine (9) o’er the Child divine. 

Star (10) so beautiful, star so beautiful, shine. 

MOTIONS 

1 Point up. 6 Point to right. 

2 Hold up right.hand repre- 7 Flutter hands, 

senting lamp. 8 Same as 2. 

3 Look down to right. 9 Same as 3. 

4 Same as 1. 10 Same as 4. 

£> Same as 1. 

Alice J. Cleator. 


’Tis Christmas 

Tune: “My Bonnie” 

’Tis Christmas all over the country, 

’Tis Christmas far out on the sea, 

The glorious, glorious Christmas, 

Most happy for you and for me. 

Chorus— 

Christmas, Christmas! 

Happy for you and for me, 
Christmas, Christmas! 

Happy for you and for me. 

And now with our evergreen twining, 
We come to the gay Christmas tree— 
And we lay down our garland beside it, 
How happy, how happy are we! 



CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


75 


Stockings Stout 

Motion Song—Tune: “Lightly Row” 
Stockings stout, 

Get them out, 

They’ll be needed now, no doubt. 
Hang them so, (1) 

In a row 

While the wild winds blow. 

Santa (2) Claus is on the track, 
With his jolly grips and packs. 
Stockings stout, 

Get them out, 

With a merry shout. 

Look (3) to see 
If there be 

Any holes, one, two or three. 
’Twould not do, 

You would rue 
If a gift slipped through. (4) 

Any size or color’s right — 

Three or ten, or black or white, 
Stockings stout, 

Get them out, 

With a merry shout. 

Christmas night 
There’s no sight 
Quite so happy or so bright, 

In a row (5) 

Stockings so, 

Bulging top to toe. 

Dear kind Santa, may we find 
Gladness (6) too from being kind; 


76 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

May (7) each day 
On Life’s way, 

Seem a Christmas Day. 


MOTIONS 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 
7 


Right forearm hangs down, representing stocking. 
Outward motion. 

Motion as if looking at stockings. 

Point downward. 


Same as 1. 
Hands to heart. 
Outward motion. 


Alice J. Cleator. 


Christmas Bells 

Tune: “Hold the Fort” 

Loud the Christmas bells are ringing, 
And the drifting snow 
Lies in wreaths of pearly whiteness 
O’er the world below. 


Chorus— 

Heard ye not the wondrous story, 

Told of One on High? 

One whose coming, One whose glory 
Nevermore shall die. 

Ring, ye bells, from out the steeple, 
Sound a joyous lay; 

Telling unto all the people, 

“Christ is born to-day.” 

—Chorus 

Far away in Bethlehem, watching 
O’er a manger low, 

Angels chanted sweet the tidings 
In the “Long Ago.” 


—Chorus 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 77 

Christmas brings a flood of gladness, 

So rejoice who may 
In His love, whose birth hath given 
This glad Christmas day. —Chorus 

Christmas Day 

Tune: “Maryland, My Maryland” 

We sing to-day of Christmas cheer, 

Christmas Day, glad Christmas Day; 

The gladdest day of all the year, 

Christmas Day, glad Christmas Day. 

To-day for absent ones we yearn, 

To-day for them the Yule-logs burn, 

And oft the wanderers homeward turn, 

For Christmas Day, glad Christmas Day. 

On Christmas Day the feast is spread, 

Christmas Day, glad Christmas Day; 

And let the hungry then be fed, 

On Christmas Day, glad Christmas Day, 

Then pile the shelves with goodies high, 

For Christmas Day is drawing nigh, 

Bring in glad cheer, turn out the sigh, 

For Christmas Day, glad Christmas Day. 

And give a thought to Him whose birth, 

On Christmas Day, glad Christmas Day, 
Brought happiness and love to earth, 

On Christmas Day, glad Christmas Day. 

Then happiness at Christmastide, 

And many more glad things beside, 

Oh, let us scatter far and wide, 

On Christmas Day, glad Christmas Day. 

Minnie A. Leigh. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

The Festive Time 

Tune: “When He Cometh to Make Up His Jewels’' 
It is coming! it is coming! 

With smiles and with singing; 

We will hail it, we will hail it. 

The bright Christmas Day. 

It will bring to us treasures. 

And many sweet pleasures; 

With glad smiles and bright faces. 
We’ll go on our way. 

In the dawning, in the dawning, 

The first Christmas morning; 

Our dear Saviour who so loves us. 
Was born far away; 

When the daylight is breaking, 

And the bells are all chiming, 

We’ll sing our gay carols 
This glad Christmas Day. 

Christmas Lullaby 

Tune: “Maryland, My Maryland” 

Sleep, little children, well to-night, 

Then lullaby, yes, lullaby. 

The stars above are watching bright, 

Then lullaby, yes, lullaby. 

Santa will come with reindeer fleet, 

Now lullaby, yes, lullaby. 

Throughout the night, sleep long, sleep sweet. 
Now lullaby, yes, lullaby. 


Acrostics 


Santa Claus 

For ten children holding up letters to spell the words SANTA 
CLAUS. 

Someone came down our chimney, oh! 

And he wore fur from top to toe! 

Never a sound was heard on the roof, 

Though the reindeer stamped each tiny hoof. 

And Santa filled our stockings, you know! 

Crowded them full from top to toe! 

Look at the beautiful Christmas tree! 

And all the presents for you and me! 

Up the chimney he scampered, ho! ho! 

Suppose you ask who it was, do you know? 

All —Santa Claus! 

C Stands for Christmas Cheer 

For nine children. 

C stands for all good Christmas cheer; 

H for the Homes to us children so dear. 

R is for Roads where sleigh bells now ring; 

I for the Ice on pond and spring. 

S is for Santa, beloved by all; 

T for the Toys that come at his call. 

M is for Mothers who will e’er our hearts fill; 

A for the Angels of peace and good will. 

S stands for Sweetness of rare Christmas time. 
All —The kind that we wish you in this rhyme. 

Annie Winfrey Meek . 


80 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Christmas Bells 

Draw a pattern of a bell, and let each child taking part in 

this exercise cut his own bell from red bristol board and paste 

on it a green letter. 

C is for Christ-child. The day of His birth 
Is kept as a holiday o'er the whole earth. 

H is for Heralds that sang in the morn 

And told the glad tidings that Jesus was born. 

R is Redeemer. He’s knocking to-day 

At the door of your heart. Turn Him not away. 

I is the Inn where, crowded for space, 

For Joseph and Mary they hadn’t a place. 

S is the Star, the Bethlehem star, 

That guided the Wise Men who journeyed from 
far. 

T is for Tidings. We’ll gladly proclaim 

The story of Him who is always the same. 

M is for Men—three Wise Men, I’m sure, 

Who followed the star, in its leading secure. 

A is for Angels—the Heavenly train 

That frightened the shepherds on Judea’s plain. 

S is for Shepherds that watched o’er the sheep 

And through the long night their vigil did keep. 

B is for Bethlehem—town of small worth 

Until it was honored by our Savior’s birth. 

E is Emmanuel. Wonderful name! 

Let all His goodness and mercy proclaim. 

L is for Life everlasting, my friend; 

Will you accept of this life without end? 

L is for Love—the love that He gave 

While we were yet sinners, our poor souls to save. 

S is for Savior. He still’lives to-day 

And makes intercession for us when we pray. 

Nellie York Spangler. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 81 

Merry Christmas 

For fourteen children. 

M for the Music, merry and clear; 

E for the Eve, the crown of the year; 

R for the Romping of bright girls and boys; 

R for the Reindeer that bring them the toys; 

Y for the Yule Log, softly aglow. 

C for the Cold of the sky and the snow; 

H for the Hearth where they hang up the hose; 

R for the Reel which the old folks propose; 

I for the Icicles seen through the pane; 

S for the Sleigh Bells, with tinkling refrain; 

T for the Tree with gifts all abloom; 

M for the Mistletoe hung in the room; 

A for the Anthems we all love to hear; 

S for Saint Nicholas, joy of the year. 

M is for Music 

M is for Music, full of glad hopes, 

E is for Evergreen wreaths and ropes, 

R is for Red, the berries’ bright hue, 

R is for Right that we must do, 

Y is for Yule-log, burned by a few. 

C is for Candles, little and tall, 

H is for Holly, to hang on the wall, 

R is for Raisins, big and small, 

I is for Ice Cream, best of all. 

S is for Santa, children’s delight, 

T is for Tree, pretty and bright, 

M is for Merry, that we must be, 

A is for Apples to hang on the tree, 

S is for Secrets we won’t tell. 

Maud Schorer. 


82 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Christ Came to Bethlehem 

For nine children. 

Christ came to Bethlehem one starry night 

And since has been our guiding star and light. 
Healing all the sick and blind and sad— 

A cure for every heartache Jesus had. 

Remember that he taught us how to live, 

To others love and kindly how to give. 

I'll try in days of sadness or of cheer 

To do as He would have me and not fear. 

Sin goes away when Christ doth send the light 
And all our gloomy days change into bright. 

The Christmas Bells across the hills do ring 
And happy children carols sweet shall sing. 

May I at this glad season then rejoice, 

And raise in happy thankfulness my voice. 

An angel sang to tell us of our King. 

With songs to Him we’ll make the whole world 
ring. 

So say we “Peace on earth, good will to men”— 

And now farewell till Christmas comes again. 

Fay Christ. 

A December Spelling Lesson 

For nine children holding up letters to spell the word 
CHRISTMAS. 

All— 

The nicest word there is to spell 
Is just the one we mean to tell; 

The nicest day of all the year 
Is this one we will show you here. 

(Each in turn, holding up letter.) 
CHRISTMAS 

All—C hristmas! Bertha E. Bush . 


Drills and Dances 


Christmas Puddings Dance 

This Christmas dance may be given by either eight 
or sixteen girls. Each girl is dressed in a brown, 
cambric Mother-Hubbard, gathered to a band of cam¬ 
bric around the knee, and finished below the band with 
two little white cambric scalloped ruffles, to represent 
the trimming of paper ruffles ornamenting a real plum 
pudding. White ruffles about neck and edges of short 
puffed sleeves. They wear brown caps—made like a 
dusting cap, with ruffles of white about the face. 
Sprig of holly and a few loops of red ribbon on top of 
caps; same on shoulders, and on one side of skirt 
ruffle. Each girl may carry a big wooden spoon tied 
about her wrist with a red ribbon, which she can carry 
in her hand or let hang free, as she chooses. 

Pianist plays something in 4-4 time, bright and 
quick, e. g. “Jingle Bells.” Children enter by couples, 
with reel step; that is, running three steps in each 
measure, giving a slight spring on first step. In order, 
the steps are: right, left, right, for first measure; 
left, right, left, for second measure. Form in two par¬ 
allel lines, facing each other, hands on hips. 

PART I 

Measure 1. On first beat, hop on left foot, touching 
right toe at side. On third beat, hop on left foot, touch¬ 
ing right heel at side. 


84 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Measure 2. Hop on right foot and touch left toe 
and heel, as in Measure 1. 

Measures 3-8. Repeat Measures 1-2 three times. 

Measure 9. On first beat, step forward on right 
foot. On third beat, stamp forward with left foot, 
bringing heels together. 

Measure 10. On first beat, step backward on left 
foot. On third beat, stamp backward with left foot, 
heels together. 

Measures 11-12. Repeat Measures 9-10. 

Measure 13. With three reel steps partners change 
places, passing on right. Face center on fourth count. 

Measure 14. Curtsey for four counts. 

Measures 15-16. Repeat Measures 13-14, return¬ 
ing to former places. 

Measures 17-32. Repeat from beginning. 

PART II 

Measures 1-4. On first beat of Measure 1, all clap 
hands and take schottish step toward each other, 
stamping on first step. On next three measures, hook 
right arms and turn about in place with three schot¬ 
tish steps, stamping on first step in each measure. 

Measures 5-8. About face, hook left arms and re¬ 
peat Measures 1-4. 

Measures 9-12. Girl on right side in head couple 
takes four schottish steps backward, partner following 
with forward steps. Same for third couple. Girl on 
left in second and fourth couples moves backward, 
followed by partner moving forward. 

Measures 13-16. Reverse directions, moving back 
to original positions in line. 

Measures 17-32. Repeat from beginning. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 85 
PART III 

Lines telescope by twos, thus: Head couple steps 
back between second couple as second couple moves a 
step forward. Third couple steps backward as fourth 
moves forward. Halt in double columns, facing each 
other. Those in inner ranks place hands on hips, those 
in outer ranks place hands on shoulders of one in 
front. Take this position while pianist strikes a chord 
or two, preliminary to commencing music for Part III. 

Measure 1. Those in rear ranks bend their heads 
to left, playing “peek-a-boo” with the players in oppo¬ 
site rear rank,—their original partners. Repeat at 
right. (This makes two head moves to the measure .) 

Measure 2. On first count, peep left. On second 
count, peep right. On third count, peep left. On 
fourth count, peep right. 

Measures 3-4. Repeat Measures 1-2. 

Measures 5-6. All clap hands sharply on first beat 
of fifth measure, and those who have been playing 
peek-a-boo run forward to left of their front neigh¬ 
bors, grasp hands with those from opposite columns, 
—their original partners,—and swing around. 

Measures 7-8. All clap hands, and those in inner 
rank dance with those who have been standing behind 
them, finishing in double ranks once more, but with 
those who first stood behind now in front, and those 
who stood with hands on hips in front row now stand¬ 
ing behind with hands on shoulders of the one in front. 

Measures 9-15. Repeat Measures 1-8, at close of 
which those outside and inside have again changed 
places. 

Measures 17-32. Repeat Measures 1-16. 


86 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 
PART IV 

Keep same formation as in Part III, but those on in¬ 
side turn back to back. For this part pianist may play 
“Mrs. McLeod’s Reel,” or some similar dance tune, 
while each group of four dance “The Reel of Four,” as 
follows: 

Measures 1-8. Girl at outside on right weaves a 
figure 8 around the other three, using the reel step: 
right foot, left foot, right foot, pause: left foot, right 
foot, left foot, pause, as described for entering. She 
dances between inside two who are standing back to 
back, around behind outside girl at left, back again be¬ 
tween inner two, and into place. In the meantime, 
those standing still are dancing the setting step, thus: 
On first beat of first measure, step forward on right 
foot with a little spring of the knees, raising left foot 
behind. On second beat, swing left leg around in front 
of right, toe pointed downward. On third beat, set 
left foot in front of the right and raise right foot be¬ 
hind. On fourth beat, set right foot to floor and raise 
left one in front. Repeat on second measure, with left 
foot leading. Alternate these two for the eight meas¬ 
ures. 

Measures 9-16. Outside girl on left weaves figure 
8 around the other three, as outside girl on right has 
-done, others dancing setting step. 

Measures 17-24. Inside girl on right weaves figure 
8 around the other three. She first runs around be¬ 
hind the outside girl she has been facing, then behind 
other inside girl, then behind outside girl at left, and 
thence back home. 

Measures 25-32.- Inside girl on left weaves figure 

8 . 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 87 
PART V 

On preliminary chord, all move by partners into 
original formation of two parallel lines, as for Part I. 
Pianist plays any music in 4-4 time. Schumann's 
“Happy Peasant” is good, or “Jingle Bells” may be re¬ 
peated. 

Measure 1. On first beat, all hop on right foot, at 
same time tapping toe of left foot to floor. Hold for 
second beat. On third beat, hop again on right foot, 
at same time setting left heel to floor. Hold for fourth 
beat. 

Measure 2. Repeat Measure 1, with left foot hop¬ 
ping. 

Measures 3-4. Repeat Measures 1-2. 

Measures 5-8. Repeat Measures 1-4. 

Measure 9. On first beat, all step forward with 
right foot. On third beat, set left foot beside right 
with a forcible stamp. 

Measure 10. On first beat, step backward with 
right foot. On third beat, set left foot beside right 
with forcible stamp. 

Measures 11-12. Starting with right foot, cross 
over to opposite side with six running reel steps. In 
changing places, dancers pass back to back with one 
standing opposite. First three steps are forward, last 
three are making a half turn. 

Measures 13-16. Repeat Measures 9-12. At close 
of Measure 16, dancers are back at starting point in 
line. 

Measures 17-32. Repeat Measures 1-16. 

(Exit by couples , dancing reel step as in entering .) 

Harriette Wilbur. 


88 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Christmas Bell Drill 

For twelve or any even number of girls. 

COSTUMES AND PROPERTIES 

White dresses, stockings and slippers, red sashes if 
desired. For small children, long empire gowns of 
white cheesecloth are attractive. The semi-hoops are 
of heavy wire, twelve inches in length. They are 
wound with dark green cambric fastened firmly, and 
three small red Christmas bells are hung on the inside, 
equal distances apart. To hold in place tie the bells to 
hoops with a narrow red ribbon or green cord. 

MUSIC 

Phonograph Record—Laughing Water (rate needle 
between 60 and 70). Piano (preferable)—Any two- 
step or waltz with marked accent—moderate tempo. 

DRILL 

All circling must be done with small toe steps and 
fairylike movements. 

1. March or dance, heel and toe step in double line, 
carrying hoops on left shoulders, around stage once 
and a half to rear center, raise hoops over heads and 
march down center to position. First couple stops at 
front center—couples two and four side-step to left, 
three and five to right. Two and three occupy front 
corners of stage, four and five behind two and three, 
but nearer center line of stage. Sixth couple remains 
at back center directly behind first couple. 

2. When all are in proper positions, hoops above 
heads, partners side-step far enough to right and left 
to allow each girl to make a small circle and return to 
place. 

3. Right partner of each group circles to right, 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 89 

faces toward rear of stage, and places side of semi¬ 
hoop against partner’s. The couples circle around 
twice, right partner turns to left and back in position. 

4. Couples two, three and six stand still, facing 
front of stage, one, five and four circle to join these, 
making three groups of four. First couple joins 
second, fifth third, fourth sixth, alternates facing rear 
of stage, all holding hoops above heads in a straight 
line, making four loops in each group. Couples one 
and two, also three and five, turn to outer edge of 
stage and circle. Four and six circle at rear center. 
Repeat. When starting point is reached the second 
time, couples one, five and four side-step and circle 
back to original position. The opening and closing of 
this figure, in groups of four, is very effective. 

5. Sixth couple turns to left, faces toward outer 
edge of stage, side-steps in straight line to middle of 
stage; fourth faces toward back of stage and side-steps 
to center; fifth faces front and sidesteps to center; 
second couple, with separate circling steps, joins sixth 
at rear of stage, facing the same way as sixth; first 
circles to fourth, facing toward rear, third with fifth 
facing front. The semi-hoops held above heads make 
two straight lines and the whole forms one large wheel 
of three spokes, meeting in center of stage. The girls 
in center move slowly and the outer ones rapidly in 
order to keep the spokes in straight lines and the lines 
even distances apart. The wheel circles twice, then 
moves more slowly, as each couple nears its original 
position, flies off from main wheel and circles to place. 
Partners keep close together until all are in proper 
order again. The girls in center of wheel must be 
careful to keep the wheel moving around a central 
point, otherwise the wheel will revolve to one side of 


90 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

stage. Center might be marked in some way, if de¬ 
sired. 

6. Couples one and six remain in position at front 
center and rear center; the remaining couples side-step 
in numerical order to center, making double line ready 
to march. One line turns to right, other to left; form 
single circles on each side of stage. They circle twice, 
first time with semi-hoops high over heads, the second 
time with hoops held to center. Leaders meet at 
center of stage and march to front; others fall in be¬ 
hind in double line. 

7. March one line to left, other to right, across 
front to sides, up sides to rear corners of stage, then 
diagonally across to opposite front comers, lines cross¬ 
ing in center. Turn to sides, up sides to rear, and 
cross diagonally to front comers again. March to rear 
corners and across rear to back center, partners meet¬ 
ing at rear center, and down middle of stage in cou¬ 
ples. Numbers one and six stop at original positions, 
front center and rear center; the others side-step into 
former places. 


ATTITUDES 

1. Semi-hoops over heads, framing faces. 

2. “Secrets”—heads together; hoops bent forward 
on each side, screening faces. 

3. Semi-hoops thrown over and back of heads— 
laughing attitude. 

4. Semi-hoops bent away to right and left—pout¬ 
ing. 

5. Peek-a-boo—touch top of hoops and look through 
them—smiling. 

6. Swinging or swaying of bells—join little fingers 
and sway semi-hoops back and forth right and left in 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 91 

unison. Gives appearance of ringing Christmas, 
bells. 

7. Kneeling—left child of each couple slowly sinks 
to a kneeling position, drops hoop in lap; right steps, 
rises on toes, steps, and so continues until she reaches 
back of kneeling figure, then frames partner’s head 
with hoop. 

8. Swinging or swaying bells, same as six. 

Leaving stage use a waltz step or 1—2—3 step and 

hop. Sixth couple turns, faces exit, and dances out, 
followed by five, four, three, two, one. Leaders circle 
with light airy movements to exit, turn, curtsey, and 
run off. Ethel M. Hall. 


Star Drill 

GENERAL DIRECTIONS 

A five-pointed star is drawn upon the stage for the 
children to march by. The five girls are costumed in. 
full dresses of white cheesecloth trimmed with gold 
paper stars. If the star can be made sufficiently 
large, ten girls may take part. If used in a patriotic* 
program the dresses could be of colored bunting. 

Enter from the right side, tripping gayly to a quick 
march around the star once. 

Each stop on a point, turn around and trip in re¬ 
verse order about the star twice, halting at own place. 

Each step to next inner corner on the right and 
march about the pentagon thus formed. Halt, turn 
and march around twice to the left. 

March about once to the right, holding hands to a 
common center (or pointed toward the center if they 
cannot reach it). 

Halt each on a point, so the smaller girls are to the 
front and take up drill: 


92 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 
DRILL 

1. Left foot forward, left arm curved gracefully 
upward, right arm at side. 

2. Position. 

3. Reverse 1, right foot forward, etc. 

4. Head tilted to left, arms arched over it. 

5. Same, head to right. 

6. Bow head, hands on hips. 

7. Throw head backwards, look through fists, held 
one in front of other as a telescope. 

8. Bend body to left, left arm curved upward. 

9. Position. 

10. Same as 8 but to the right. 

11. Arms out straight from body at sides. 

12. Twist trunk to right. 

13. Return to front, keeping arms up. 

14. Twist to left. 

15. Position. 

16. Sway arms up and down, standing on tiptoes. 

17. Hop one step to right. Repeat twice. 

18. Hop three steps to left, returning to place. 

19. Arms held out straight at sides from shoulders. 

20. Whirl on left foot. 

21. Running in place, with hands touching in front 
of waist. 

22. Halt, throwing arms outward, holding position, 
standing on but one foot. 

23. Hands on hips, take a long step to the left as 
though falling. 

24. Position. v 

25. Fall to the right. 

March around twice, stopping so that two singers 
are at the front. They sing any appropriate song 
about stars, others pantomiming it, or helping to sing 
the chorus, as desired. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 93 

March about star once, halting when one girl is on 
the point nearest front. While the music is played 
very softly, she recites a short poem about stars. 

March around again, stopping so another may give 
a short recitation. 

Facing center, hold hands to form a five-pointed 
star. 

(The next may be omitted if the star is so large the 
children cannot reach across it.) 

March about once with tiny steps. Halt. 

With right hand pointing to center of star, step in¬ 
ward, and raise self on toes. 

Position. 

With left hand pointing outward, step outward on 
toes. 

Run around once. On reaching own place clap, turn 
about, run around again. 

Run to back of stage, and form a line. 

Bow low and run off. 


Marie Hoge . 


Exercises 


Our Christmas Bells 

An exercise for three little girls carrying small Christmas 
hells. 

.All — 

The Christmas bells chime sweetly 
O’er all the earth again; 

They tell a glorious story 
Of peace, good will to men. 

Listen, and we will tell you 

The words our small bells say, 

For each one brings a message 
This happy Christmas Day. 

First— 

My little bell says “Joy, joy, joy”; 

For every little girl and boy 
Knows that in Bethlehem this morn 
The Savior of the world was bora. 

Second— 

My little bell says “Peace, peace, peace”; 

And may that message never cease 
To spread around the world, and tell 
How Jesus came on earth to dwell. 

Third— 

My little bell says “Love, love, love”; 

For Christ came down from heaven above 
To teach us gentle words to say 
And kind deeds do from day to day. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


95 


All— 

The tidings “Joy, and Peace, and Love” 

Are sounding everywhere, 

Rung by the bells of Christmas 
Upon the frosty air; 

For in the Bethlehem stable 
Was cradled Heaven's king, 

And round the world is spread the news 
The bells of Christmas bring. 

Nellie T. Burleson. 

Hark! Is Santa Claus Coming? 

For any number of children. 

Listen! Is Santa Claus coming? 

(Children bend forward, one hand on ear as if lis¬ 
tening.) 

No, he doesn’t come humming, 

(Step back, looking disappointed, shaking head.) 
But quiet and nice, 

As a couple of mice. 

(Point to floor where mice might be playing.) 

See! Can that be his light ? 

(Step forward quickly, pointing out of the win¬ 
dow.) 

No, it’s just the moonlight. 

(Step back, look disappointed, shake head and point 
to moon.) 

Brother says, just to taunt us, 

That there are no Santas. 

(Turn to each other, shaking fingers.) 

Oh, dear! Maybe it’s true. 

(Wring hands.) 

I don’t believe it; do you? 


96 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

(Turn to each other, shaking fingers .) 

Hark! Is that his sleigh ? 

(Step forward quickly, hand to ear, listening.) 

No! It’s gone off that way. 

(Step back, shaking head and pointing in different 
direction.) 

Let’s each hang a stocking, 

(Beckon to each other, run forward quickly and pre¬ 
tend to pin up stockings.) 

And stop all our talking, 

And be just as quiet, 

As if Santa were by it. 

(Fingers on lips, tiptoeing back.) 

See! Are those his reindeer? 

(Step fomoard quickly, pointing excitedly out of 
window.) 

No. They’re not coming here. 

(Step back, look disappointed, and shake heads.) 

Oh, won’t it be fun 
If the boys get a gun ? 

Oh, won’t it be jolly 
If the girls get a dolly ? 

(Clap hands lightly, dancing up and down.) 

Come, let’s get to sleeping; 

He won’t find us peeping. 

(Beckon each other; movement as if slipping 
away.) 

See! There’s his sleigh! 

Come, hurry away! 

(Step forward quickly, pointing excitedly out of 
window, then running lightly back to places.) 

E. Blanche Burkett. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 97 

Christmas Arithmetic 

For four children, each carrying a large card on which is an 

arithmetical sign. Each holds the card up as he speaks. 

First Child ( holding up +) — 

This is the sign of addition, 

The only sign some children know, 

Add all you can get to the things that you have! 

It is piggish, I think, to do so. 

Second Child ( holding up —) — 

This is the sign of subtraction; 

From your own toys just take some away 
For some poor, little child. It will make him so glad 
To share in the bright Christmas day. 

First and Second ( together )— 

And you’ll really be doing addition; 

For you’ll add to your own Christmas joy, 

And add to the glad ones around you 
Another small girlie or boy. 

Third Child ( holding up x) — 

This sign means multiplication; 

If each would remember just one, 

There’d be just twice as many glad children 
To share in the joy and the fun. 

Fourth Child ( holding up h-) — 

This is the sign of division; 

Divide with one poorer than you. 

Ask him to come over and share in your tree, 

That would be such a nice thing to do. 

Third and Fourth ( together ) — 

And ’twill really be multiplication; 

Your joys will all be multiplied 
If you share your good times and your presents,— 
Oh, won’t you this Christmas divide? 


98 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 
All— 

Let us all do some Christmas arithmetic 
By the Golden Rule of Three; 

There’ll be you, and the other, and there, though 
unseen, 

The Christ Child most surely will be. 

Elizabeth F. Guptill. 


The Message of the Candles 

Groups of three or more children are preferable to one child. 
They are dressed to represent candles. The costumes are easy 
to make. Take two strips of cheesecloth cut long enough to es¬ 
cape the floor and sew up on both sides like a pillow case. 
This is slipped over the child’s head, and tied around the neck. 
The caps are of orange crepe paper, cone-shaped, with a few 
touches of red at the top, to imitate flame. 

All— 

Little candles bright are we 
Sparkling on the Christmas tree; 

Children raise a happy shout 
When our little lights shine out; 

Dance and sing and laugh with glee, 

When we twinkle on the tree. 

First Group— 

White the light of Christmas peace— 

In its rays all quarrels cease. 

Second Group— 

Red our candles glow with love, 

Sent at Christmas from above. 

Third Group— 

Christmas hope is ever seen 
When burn bright our candles green. 

Fourth Group— 

Truth, the thought we bring to you 
In the light of candles blue. 



CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


99 


Fifth Group— 

Warmth and light and Christmas cheer 
In our yellow flames appear. 

All— 

Shining on the Christmas tree, 

Happy thoughts we bring to thee; 

Ever may our memory throw 
O’er the path on which you go 
Light, by which the Christmas cheer 
May be yours throughout the year. 

Helen Louise Sherwood. 

A Christmas Letter 

Six girls are seated facing six boys. Girls have pads and 
pencils. 

Girls— 

(1) We’re writing a letter to Santa 

(2) My, it’s a hard thing to do! 

(3) We want heaps of toys and a dolly, 

(4) A great-big-dolly! Don’t you? 

Boys— 

(5) Aw! ’course we don’t want any dolly; 

(6) Pooh! What is a dolly to us? 

(7) You girls make us weary and tired, 

(8) You whine and you cry and you fuss. 

Girls— 

(9) Well, Mother told us that dear Santa 

(10) Is watching sharp ’round Christmas Day; 

(11) If you’re mean, and make fun of us girls, 

(12) He’ll hear every word that you say! 

Boys— 

(13) Oh! we’re never mean, never naughty, 

(14) We never tease girls or chase cats, 




100 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

(15) We’re always polite and forgiving— 

(16) To ladies we take off our hats. 

Girls— 

(17) Well, we must go on with our letters, 

(18) We can’t stop to bother with you; 

(19) We want doll carriages, trunks and jump- 
ropes, 

(20) Dolls’ beds and dresses of blue. 

Boys— 

(21) Say! maybe we’d better write Santa 

(22) We only want kites, tops and skates, 

(23) Bobsleds, knives, books and candy, 

(24) Games, drums, guns, tanks and tin snakes. 

Girls— 

(25) O-o-o-h ! You’d better hurry and write him; 

(26) He knows what you want very well, 

(27) But he has to read all your letters 

(28) To see if you know how to spell. 

Boys— 

(29) Spell? We can beat girls out in spelling; 

(30) You always spell “cat” with a “k”; 

(31) We’ll write a nice letter to Santa, 

(32) And the postman will take it away. 

ACTIONS 

(1) Girls with pencils poised, ready to write. 

(3) Emphasize “heaps.” 

(4) Show size of doll (much exaggerated). 

(5) Boys sit back disgustedly, hands in pockets. Heads 
turned away. 

(6-7) Speak emphatically. 

(8) Imitate whining tone. 

(9-10) Girls point right index finger at boys. Shake heads. 
(13) Boys shake heads, denying accusation. 

(16) Pretend to take off caps. 

(17) Girls start writing again. 

(18) Look up at boys. 

(19-20) Slowly and as if thinking very hard, emphasizing 
each word. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 101 

(21) Boys straighten up and turn, talking to each other en¬ 
thusiastically. 

(22-24) Count things wanted on the fingers. 

(25) Drawl out the “O-o-o-h!” 

(29) “Spell?” (Surprise!) Point at girls. 

(30) Emphasize “you.” Make letter “k” with finger in the 

air. 

(31) Feel in pockets for paper and pencils. 

(32) Boys take out pads and pencils from beneath coats and 
begin to write letters. 

At the end—all quietly writing. 

Nellie F. Shaw . 

The Christmas Message 

An exercise for six speakers. 

First— 

What is the message of the bells 
That on the air so sweetly chime? 

Second— 

To all the world their clarion tells 
It is the joyous Christmas time. 

Third— 

What is the message of the star 
That gleams so bright in heaven's blue?' 
Fourth— 

Its glorious radiance gently says 
That Christ is born for me and you. 

Fifth— 

What is the message of the wind, 

That whistles o'er the wooded hill? 

Sixth— 

It brings from far away the word 
Of “Peace on earth, to men good will.” 

All— 

The bells, the star, the wind, all say 
That Christ was born on Christmas Day_ 

Open your hearts at His behest, 

And welcome Him, the kingly Guest. 


102 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 
Last Year’s Dollies 

For seven little girls. 

First— 

I am so glad that Christmas Day 
Is drawing very near; 

I wonder what dear Santa Claus 
Will give to me this year. 

Last year I had a pretty doll; 

I left her out one day, 

And in the night somebody came 
And carried her away. 

iSECOND— 

I had a pretty dolly, too, 

Her name was Claribel; 

Last summer, out on Grandpa’s farm, 

I dropped her down the well. 

Third (carrying a forlorn old doll) — 

My dolly had the prettiest curls!— 

Red cheeks and eyes so blue!— 

And then she had a coat and hat 
And dresses, all made new! 

Look at her now! I washed her face 
And washed off all the red! 

One arm is lost! And both her eyes 
Have gone back in her head! 

Fourth— 

I didn’t like my doll a bit, 

It was so very small, 

So when they sent the mission box 
Away out West this fall, 

I gave my dolly. It would please 
A little girl, you see, 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 103 

And I hope Santa Claus will bring 
A larger one to me. 

Fifth— 

Dolly and I went out to coast, 

To try my bright new sled; 

We ran into the fence and broke 
A great hole in her head. 

Sixth (older child) — 

Perhaps if Santa Claus could know 
The sad fate of each doll, 

He would decide this Christmas time 
To bring you none at all. 

Seventh— 

No dollies! Not a single one! 

Oh, we would miss them so! 

I’m sure we would take care of them— 

We’re older now, you know. 

I hope he’ll try us just once more, 

And we will let him see, 

Through all the year, how very good 
And careful we can be. 

Tillie C. Jeroleman. 

Christmas in Many Lands 

Let each child have banner or flag representing the coun¬ 
tries, or dress in costume. 

I. GERMANY 

Germany gives us the Christmas tree. 

They tell of a little child 
Who came to a poor man’s cottage 

Once when the night was wild; 

The children cared for the stranger, 

It was Christ! And He blessed the tree— 


104 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

'‘It shall bloom each year in remembrance,— 
Ye have done it unto Me.” 

II. AUSTRIA 
In Austria, across the ocean, 

When Christmas Eve comes round, 

In every window through the land 
A candle bright is found— 

’Tis placed to guide the Christ Child, 

Whose little feet draw near 
To bless the children watching 
This glad night of the year. 

III. HOLLAND 
If I had been born in Holland 
My stockings I’d never choose; 

But ready for good old Santa Claus 
I’d place my two wooden shoes. 

IV. FRANCE 

In sunny France a child in white 
With a basket of toys on Christmas night 
Goes to each door with presents for all 
The children good, both great and small. 
Just after her comes—whom can it be— 
With a bundle of switches, don’t you see? 
Those for the children who are “bad,” 

Don’t you know they are sorry and sad ? 

V. NORWAY 
A quaint and beautiful custom 

They tell us of far Norway. 

There all the cattle and all the birds 
Can keep the Christmas Day. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


105 


The cattle have dinners they like the best, 
And every farmer takes pains, 

On housetops and barns, for hungry birds, 
To place the choicest grains. 

VI. SPAIN 

In Spain they have mirth and feasting— 
With cheer the whole land rings; 

They celebrate with pomp each year 
The festival of The Three Kings. 

They form a long procession 

And march through every street, 

And give a Christmas greeting 
To every one they meet. 

VII. RUSSIA 
I sing of cold, cold Russia, 

And how the children each year 
Place bundles of hay by the fireside, 

To feed Kris Kringle’s reindeer. 

VIII. ENGLAND 
Mother England, dear old England, 

How keeps she Christmastide ? 

With wassail bowl and wild boar's head 
And the Yule log brought with pride— 
And under the windows the carols are sung, 
The churches are decked with green, 

And slyly twining the chandelier 
The mistletoe is seen. 

IX. AMERICA 
Last on the list of nations, 

No legends have I like the rest, 

But I gather from every country 
The customs that suit me best. 


106 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

No wonder my Christmas is merry 
And the land is filled with glee, 

For every nation under the sun 

Has given a share to me! Lester Hannal. 

Pantomime of Luther’s Cradle Hymn 

GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR PANTOMIME 
For this pantomime six children are required, two 
singers and four to act as candle bearers. They 
should be arranged in the manner shown in the dia¬ 
gram below. 


X 

X 


X X 

X 

X 


The two in the rear stand and hold red candles, while 
the two in front are seated and hold white candles. 
The manger, which may be simply an ordinary clothes 
basket set on a box covered with a sheet, is placed in 
the center. On either side of the manger stand the 
singers. 

All the children should wear white. Boys taking 
any of the parts may be wrapped in sheets; girls wear 
nightgowns and arrange hair in flowing style. The 
singers should wear silver (tin foil) crowns. 

If the children cannot be arranged before the cur¬ 
tain is drawn, they may march with lighted candles to 
their places, two by two,—first the boy and girl who 
go to the farther side and then the second couple of 
candle-bearers, followed by the singers. Darken the 
room and use only the candle light. Soft instrumental 
music played throughout will add to the effectiveness 
of the piece. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 
LUTHER’S CRADLE HYMN 


107 



^ <* 

- f 

1 —|—| i 

r * * 

’ * 


:- m 


2?J r 


—f-r— “ — —L 

.. r.. i 



Away in a manger, 1 
No crib for His bed, 

The little Lord Jesus 

Laid down His sweet head; 
The stars in the heavens 2 
Looked down where He lay, 
The little Lord Jesus 
Asleep 3 in the hay. 

The cattle are lowing, 4 
The poor baby wakes, 5 
But little Lord Jesus 
No crying He makes. 

I love Thee, 6 Lord Jesus, 

Look down from the sky, 7 
And stay by my cradle 
To watch lullaby. 








































108 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Be near me, 8 Lord Jesus, 

I ask Thee to stay 
Close by me forever, 9 
And love me, I pray; 

Bless 10 all the dear children 
In Thy tender care, 

And take us to heaven 11 
To live with Thee there. 

GESTURES 

1. Stand behind manger. 

2. Look upward. 

3. Lower eyes, looking into manger. 

4. Move to either end of manger. 

5. Throw one arm over back of manger and gaze 
intently downward. 

•6. Face the front, hands crossed on breast, eyes 
raised. 

7. Raise arms high in attitude of supplication. 

8. Kneel on left knee, bow head, clasp hands. 

9. Move together in front of manger, eyes raised. 

10. Extend arms in prayerful attitude. 

11. Kneel on both knees, palms together, and arms 

half raised, head up. Edith Morton . 

Christmas Candles 

An exercise for five children, each holding a lighted candle 
aloft. 

PlRST— 

Each little child should ever be 
Like candles shining bright, 

That lend their cheer to Christmastide 
In mellow, glowing light. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


The Christmas candle sheds its glow 
Within a circle clear; 

I'll share my joy and happiness 
With everyone that's near. 

Third— 

The Christmas candle will consume 
The dross to ashes gray; 

I hope to banish every frown 
On Merry Christmas Day. 

Fourth— 

Though many winds may chance to blow, 

The candle rights itself, you know, 

So I will be most good and kind— 

No evil thought shall come to mind. 

Fifth— 

Then like a candle in a tree 
Or on the window sill, 

Each Christmas child should lend a share 
Of Peace and of Good Will. 

Annie Winfrey Meek* 

Christmas Wishes 

For ten pupils. 

All— 

Christmas is coming, it's almost here, 

The happiest time of all the year! 

Let's have a game, 

And tell in a rhyme 
What we'd like to be 
This Christmas time. 

First Pupil— 

I'd like to be a robin gay, 

Singing a carol on Christmas Day. 


110 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 
Second Pupil— 

Fd like to be Santa’s reindeer fleet, 
Bringing the toys for the children’s treat. 
Third Pupil— 

Fd like to be a Christmas star, 

Looking down from the sky so far. 

Fourth Pupil— 

Fd like to be Santa-Claus, for fun— 

Such a lot of toys Fd give each one. 

Fifth Pupil— 

Fd like to be a Christmas tree, 

Laden with toys for you and me. 

Sixth Pupil— 

Fd like to be a Christmas bell, 

Ringing so clear o’er hill and dell. 

Seventh Pupil— 

Fd like to be a Christmas sledge, 

Filled with toys right up to the edge. 
Eighth Pupil— 

Fd like to be a cracker bright, 

Going off with a bang on Christmas night. 
Ninth Pupil— 

Fd like to be a candle fine, 

On the Christmas tree I’d proudly shine. 
Tenth Pupil— 

Fd like to be a holly tree, 

Covered with berries—a joy to see! 

All— 

For the last wish of all 
We join hands and say 
We hope you will have 
A glad Christmas Day. 


Plays and Dialogues 

Darning the Christmas Stocking 

Two boys come forward, each with a stocking that has a 
large hole in the heel. The stocking is stretched over a darning 
form, and each darns as he talks. Great difficulty should be ex¬ 
perienced in the darning, and the more awkward the boys are 
the better. 

Steve— 

You know, we’ll have to hurry, Joe, 

If we’ve got these awful holes to sew. 

Joe— 

Yes—it’ll take all Christmas Eve, 

To get this stocking ready, Steve, 

To hold the candy, cakes, and toys— 

Gee! Darning was never meant for boys! 

(Pretends to have stuck needle in finger .) 

Steve— 

You bet it wasn’t—( Having difficulty with his 
threoA) What a miserable mess— 

It’s because we don’t know how, I guess. 

Joe— 

You bet it is—if Mom were here, 

She’d darn them for us—never fear. 

Steve— 

I asked Sis to sew it up for me, 

But would she do it? No siree! 

Joe— 

So did I, but she said: “Young man, 

Go sew that hole the best you can.” 


112 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

(Both sew silently for a moment, getting things in a 
worse and worse mess.) 

Steve ( after breaking his thread) — 

Oh, gee! I can't fix this thing— 

What do you reckon he's going to bring? 

Joe ( pulling out his darning form and disgustedly 
sticking his hand through the hole) — 

Just anything, I'm telling you, 

If put in this stocking, will fall through. 

Joe ( measuring his hole ruefully) — 

Yes, I believe just what you say, 

But we’ll never get these darned to-day! 

Steve (eyeing his stocking with frowning brow) — 
Say, Joe, I know the very thing— 

Hand me some of your strongest string. 

Joe (pulls out a wad of string from his pocket, and 
takes a strand from it and hands it to Steve. Steve 
proceeds to tie up the bottom part of his stocking , 
then continues.) — 

Just tie this bottom part up tight, 

Then give me a pencil and we will write 

A letter to Santa to let him know 

Where the rest of our gifts will have to go. 

J OE- 

Here (hands him a pencil) —but wait till I'm 
through, 

Then I'll help you write it too. 

(After holes in stockings are tied up to their satis¬ 
faction, he continues, and as he talks Steve gets out a 
piece of paper, and with the pencil Joe has given him 
starts to write.) 

Now—suppose you write this note for each: 

“We hang these stockings within your reach. 
Please fill them up from top to toe, 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 115 

And if the space is small—you know 
We would like to have some more— 

You can put things on the floor; 

But be sure to label what you leave. 

Mark it either ‘Joe’ or ‘Steve/ ” 

(Breaks off and Steve looks up and stops writing .> 
Steve— 

That I think will surely do, 

But there’s one thing I’m telling you, 

The stockings Mother mends, you know, 

Must be awful hard to sew! 

Harriet Catherine Evans . 

A Miracle Play of the Nativity 

Miracle or Mystery Plays were performed often in 
the Middle Ages by the monks and priests, as a method 
of teaching the history and legends of the Bible to the 
common people, who, of course, could not read. The 
plays were first given in the churches and monasteries, 
but later they were performed in the streets or in a 
large field where thousands of people might congre¬ 
gate. There was no curtain or scenery, and only the 
most necessary stage settings. These stage settings 
were brought in and arranged by the actors in full 
view of the audience, and sometimes the lack of appro¬ 
priate scenery made it necessary for the spectators to 
use a great deal of imagination in order to get the 
drift of the play being presented. 

These plays, however, were very popular, but by and 
by the actors began to corrupt them with jests and 
vulgarities, so that, finally, the Church forbade their 
being presented. The Passion Play, given every ten. 
years at Oberammergau, Bavaria, was almost the only 
one allowed to remain. 


114 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

The following play based upon the episodes sur¬ 
rounding the birth of Christ is very easy to arrange. 
No scenery is required. A chorus is needed to sing the 
carols that accompany the scenes. If the play is given 
by a school, pupils not taking character parts may 
sing the carols, sitting in their regular seats, while 
the characters use the front of the room for a stage. 
If a special chorus is arranged, let them sit at left or 
right on floor beneath stage, making their entrance in 
processional, singing, “It Came Upon the Midnight 
Clear.” 

If possible, let the other characters first make their 
entrance from the rear. They must move very, very 
slowly, since solemnity is the keynote of the whole 
play, and undue haste will mar it. Let them use the 
catch step employed usually in the wedding march— 
namely, put the left foot forward and bring the right 
up to it, then the right foot forward, bringing the left 
up to it, etc. This insures slowness. 

The costumes are traditional and can easily be 
copied from prints of old paintings, both in color and 
design. Their expense may be determined by the pro¬ 
ducer. 

The music is known to everybody. The carols are as 
follows:—It Came Upon the Midnight Clear; O Little 
Town of Bethlehem; Holy Night; The First Nowell; 
We Three Kings of Orient Are; Holy, Holy, Holy; Oh, 
Come, All Ye Faithful. 

Though simple and easily arranged, this Miracle 
Play is very impressive. If children play the parts, 
first impress upon them the value of the particular 
character they represent and drill them to act and feel 
as that character would if given life. As there are no 
lines to memorize, very few rehearsals are needed to 
give a satisfactory performance. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


115 


CHARACTERS 


Mary 

Joseph 

The Innkeeper 


Five Shepherds 
Three Wise Men 
Six Angels 


Processional: “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.” 

SCENE I—THE INN AT BETHLEHEM 
Enter Mary and Joseph. Mary, with bowed head, 
leans on Joseph’s arm. They march to the center of 
stage, stop, and Joseph, leaving Mary, moves to left 
exit, where he raps with his staff upon the door. A 
man appears and Joseph, pointing within the open 
door, evidently asks for shelter. The man shakes his 
head in the negative. Joseph turns and points to Mary. 
The man shakes his head again. Joseph returns to 
Mary, takes her arm and they start off towards right. 
The innkeeper goes after them, stops them, and points 
to the left corner of stage, supposedly at the stable. 
Joseph shakes his head emphatically, but Mary 
touches him and nods assent. He then nods in the 
affirmative to the innkeeper, and they march off in the 
direction of the stable, the innkeeper leading the way. 

SCENE II—THE HOLY NIGHT 
Chorus: “Holy Night, Peaceful Night.” 

Six angels enter down center aisle. When they 
reach the stage they separate, three going to right 
and three to left. They stand for a moment with hands 
crossed on breasts and heads bowed, then the two 
angels nearest the left exit go out and return with a 
rude cradle which they place in the center of stage. 
They then resume their places. Mary and Joseph now 
enter from rear. Mary goes to cradle and bends over 
it. Joseph stands above her, also looking at cradle. 
Mary turns back coverlet and snaps on a flash light 


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116 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

that has been arranged, presumably behind the Child's 
head. This sheds a bright light, imitating a halo. 
The angels sink to their knees as she does this. Then 
Mary takes up the baby (a doll) and with Joseph 
moves behind the scenes. The angels rise and file out 
at left and right exits. The last two leaving stage 
take crib with them. 


THE FIRST NOWELL 



* 



I. The first Now - ell, the an-gels did say, Was to cer-tain poor v 
’ • 1 ■’ - ‘ the 1 


2 . They looked a - bove, and there saw a stfir. As it shone in J 

3. And by the light of that, same bright star There were three wise raett 

drew nigh un - to the north-west; O-ver Beth-le-hem | 

tered in those wise-men all three Ver - y rev - er - ent • j 

us all with one ac - cord Sing prais - es un • J 


4. The star 

5. Then en 

6. Then let 




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shep-herds in fields as they lay— In ^ fields where they lay keep-ing^ their^ 


easf but be-yond them a - far; And to the earth it gave forth gTeat 

came from the east country far; To seek the King it was their in • 

paus- ed, and there it did rest; And there did shine most bright, and did 
ly up - on bend - ed knee; And of - fered there in His pres¬ 
to our heav-en - ly Lord, That made the heav ens and earth of 

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$heep. On a cold wir - ter’s night, that was 

light. And con - tin - u • ed so both day 

tent. And to fol - low the star wHer - ev - er 

stay O - ver where the young Child and His moth 

ence. Gifts of gold and of myrrh and of frank 

naught. And with His blood man • kind 


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so deep, 
and night, 
it went, 
er lay. 
in - cense, 
hath wrought, j 


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CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 117 




Chorus: “The First Nowell ” 

The five shepherds make their entrance through 
center aisle. When they reach the stage they throw 
themselves down to sleep. Suddenly one of them starts 
up. A large star is here illuminated in a conspicuous 
place, best at right of stage. The shepherd arouses 
his neighbor and points to star. All the shepherds 
arise and look at it. Suddenly the angels appear from 
right exit. One angel points to right exit. The shep¬ 
herds file out singly, pointing to star. They are going 
in search of the Child. 

SCENE IV—THE THREE WISE MEN 

Chorus: “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” 

Enter the first Wise Man down center aisle. In 
middle of stage he stops, faces audience, and, shading 
his eyes with his hand, peers anxiously to right and 
left and before him, evidently looking for somebody. 
The second Wise Man appears down center aisle. He 
is greeted by the first Wise Man with uplifted hand and 






























118 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


bowed head. He returns the salutation with low bow, 
arms crossed on breast. Then the two look anxiously 
to right and left and before them. The third Wise 
Man enters down center aisle. He greets the others 
with bowed head and low bow, and they return the 
salutation with upraised hand and bent head. They 
then turn facing the star and, each pointing with his 
left hand towards it, file out singly. 

THREE KINGS OF ORIENT 


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1st K. We three kings of O - rient are, Bear-ing gifts, we tra-verse far, 

2d K. Born a babe on Beth’lem’a plain, Gold I bring to crown Him a-gara; 

3d K. Frank - in-cense my of - fer-ing; Coat - ly myrrh the gift I bring; 


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Field and foun-tain, moor and moun-tain, 
King for - ev - er, ceas-ing nev - er 
Pray’r and prais-ing, all now rais - ing, 

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Fol-lowing 
His all - 
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rgGod on 1 

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eign. 

ligh. 

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'O! star of won - der, star of might, Star with roy - al beau-ty bright; 

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West ward lead - ing, still pro - ceed - ing, Guide us to 

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the per - feet light. 




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CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 119 
SCENE V—THE ADORATION OF THE CHILD 

Chorus: "Holy, Holy, Holy” 

The angels enter, three from right and three from 
left wing. After a moment’s pause the two who pre¬ 
viously did this service go to wings, bring in crib 
again, and place it in the middle of stage. They re¬ 
turn to their places. The angels keep same position, 
hands crossed on breasts and heads bowed, as in pre¬ 
vious scene. Mary and Joseph now enter. Mary places 
the Child in crib. One of the angels goes to rear and 
brings a chair for her. She sits at head of crib. 
Joseph stands behind her. She uncovers the head of 
the Child, snapping on lighted halo. Angels kneel. 
From the left come the five shepherds in single file. 
They march about crib, gazing at the baby. They 
group themselves at right. Enter the three Wise Men 
from the right. They group themselves at foot of cra¬ 
dle and present their gifts. Joseph solemnly takes 
them, one at a time, and carries them to rear, behind 
scenes. When he returns, Mary rises and takes Child 
from crib. The Wise Men, angel's, shepherds, and 
choir rise. 

Recessional: "Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful.” 

The choir begins to sing. Mary, with the Child, and 
Joseph proceed slowly off stage and down center aisle, 
followed by the Wise Men, shepherds, angels, and inn¬ 
keeper. The choir sings continuously and follows be¬ 
hind the characters, two by two. Alice N. Lewis. 

A Plan That Failed 

CHARACTERS 

Jack Lee, a boy of seven. 

Santa Claus, a boy of eight. 


120 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Scene — Jack is seated on an ottoman pulling off 
stockings. He is dressed in gown and cap ready for 
bed. A small bed is at the back of stage. 

Jack— 

Whoever saw such slim legs as these! 

Here's a hole in one toe and look at the knees; 

Such a lot of things I expect Santa to bring; 

These socks are too small for anything. 

A pair of skates, a football suit, 

A knife like Ned’s—oh say, it’s a beaut! 

A book or so, and a nice little gun, 

A truly watch that will really run, 

Some nuts and apples and lots of candy, 

Such stuff as that is always handy. 

Such legs as these must cause lots of worry 
For poor Kris Kringle when he’s in a hurry. 

Why, those golf socks of Tom’s (He’s my cousin) 
Are ten times bigger’n these, or a dozen. 

I b’lieve one would reach clear down to the floor, 
And I know it would hold a bushel or more. 

Why, gee whiz! Til tell you what ’tis, 

Why couldn’t I borrow that old one of his! 

It’s of no use to him, at any rate, 

He can’t wear it; he’s lost the mate, 

And then old Santa would think it was mine. 

(Goes out and returns with very big stocking in gay 
colors , which he pins up near the front of the stage.) 
My, how it looms up! What a dandy! 

It’ll hold everything and a peck of candy. 

Hark! Isn’t that Santa ? That’s surely his sled, 
Guess I’d better hop, real spry, into bed. 

(Gets into bed and kicks a few times , then lies still 
and begins to snore softly at first , then quite loudly. 
A noise is heard outside. Enter Santa , choking.) 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 12L 
Santa— 

It's enough to make a goblin sneeze, 

These stove-pipes are such a killing squeeze. 

(Drops pack.) 

Ah, the days of my youth I remember with pain, 

I never shall see such chimneys again; 

They built them so low and so thick and so wide. 

No trouble at all down one to slide, 

But now I must struggle and twist and squirm. 
And force myself through like an angleworm. 

Ah, then I was fat and hearty and round, 

And weighed, I should say, nigh three hundred 
pound, 

But now, just look, ’tis easy to see, 

What a wreck these improvements have made of me. 
In trying to squeeze through without making a 
noise, 

I've kept reducing my avoirdupois, 

Till Fve so little left of frame and muscle, 

That lifting my pack is quite a tussle. 

And I've seen the time when a single toy 
Would drive a child nearly wild with joy. 

But now, if I bring less than seven or eight 
They think that theirs is a joyless fate. 

Then the elbows and dampers, too, 

And a horrible stove for me to crawl through, 

Such a trial to me. If good folks only knew, 

In pity they'd build an old-fashioned flue. 

My friends have oft urged me this business to leave. 
But think how the dear little children would grieve 
If Santa should fail them some sad Christmas Eve ; 
I never could bear the dark desolation 
That would fall on the wee ones all over creation. 
That reminds me, I must make haste; 


122 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

If I get clear round there’s no time to waste. 

Let’s see, this is the home of Jack Lee, I believe, 
I’ve some very fine gimcracks at this place to leave. 

(Takes out Jack’s bundle.) 

Some new fangled skates and a football suit, 

This dangerous gun for him to shoot, 

A truly watch that will really go, 

A ten-bladed knife and a book or so, 

Candy enough to cause much woe. 

This is his bedroom, too, I see,— 

Now where can that boy’s stocking be? 

There’s only that one hanging there. 

(Goes up and examines stocking.) 

It belongs to a giant, I declare. 

It surely can’t be that this one I see 
Is the one that is worn by little Jack Lee. 

But since there’s no other it really must be. 

I never expected to find such a stocking! 

The way these boys grow is certainly shocking. 

Why, a fellow who wears such a stocking as this 
Won’t care for little boys’ things, I wis. 

A boy of seven would have thought them a prize, 
{Searches in pack.) 

But they’re no good at all for a chap of this size. 

I’ll put them all into my pack again, 

And find something else, more adapted to men. 

{Puts cup, razor, and book in stocking.) 

Here’s a mustache cup, a razor, too, 

A small dictionary, and that must do. 

It looks pretty lank, but then, oh my, 

I never could fill it, it’s no use to try. 

But I’ll just pin a note here to Jack to say : 

{Writes, reads and pins note on stocking.) 

“If you keep on growing this wonderful way, 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 123 

Next year I shall find you toothless and gray; 

Your stocking won't need to be so big, 

I’ll bring you false teeth and a wig.” 

(Puts Jack's things back into pack.) 

Now I must go, and oh, how I dread 
The toilsome climb to my team and sled. 

How much it would add to St. Nicholas' joys 
If chimneys would grow as fast as boys. (Exits.) 
(Jack wakes up, rubs eyes and looks about.) 

Jack— 

Hello! Hurrah! 'Tis morning, I see, 

(Goes to stocking.) 

I wonder what Kris Kringle left for me. 

This leg, I think, looks mighty thin; 

Guess I'll take a peep within. 

(Takes out cup.) 

A horrible cup, for a mustache, too, 

Guess I'll save it for a year or so; 

A razor, that I can use at any rate, 

Just the thing to carve fish-bait. 

Here's a book—dictionary. Why, old St. Nick 
Has played me just an awful trick; 

There's not a thing I wanted at all, 

Not a skate nor a knife, not even a ball. 

Oh, here's a note pinned to the toe, 

Santa left it for me, I know. 

(Reads note aloud.) 

It's all because of my wonderful plan, 

St. Nicholas thinks I've grown a man; 

I'll never get nice presents again, 

Next year he'll bring me specs and cane. 

Boo hoo! That’s my pay for being a pig,. 

I’m 'fraid that stocking was 'most too big. 

Luella M. Huff. 


124 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Mrs. Santa Comes Into Her Own 

CHARACTERS 

Santa Claus Brownies (9) 

Mrs. Santa Fairies (4) 

(In case there are not enough children available, 
two Brownie parts can be assigned to one child.) 

Scene — Sitting room in Santa Claus’s house. Left, 
Mrs. Santa seated in a low rocker; beside her a table 
strewn with dolls’ sewing. Right, Santa’s armchair 
with footstool before it. Telephone on right wall. 
Exits — Center: To Brownies’ workshop; Left: to 
outside. Enter Santa Claus from outside. Takes his 
chair, uttering a grunt of satisfaction.) 

Santa Claus —Whew! If there’s a busier person 
this time of the year, I’d like to be introduced to him. 

Mrs. Santa ( rising and making a low bow) —Be¬ 
hold that person. 

Santa Claus—W hat? You? 

Mrs. Santa —The very one. 

Santa Claus —Why, my dear, surely you can’t be 
serious. 

Mrs. Santa ( tersely, with a pin in mouth) —Never 
was more so in my life. 

Santa Claus —But what do you do? 

Mrs. Santa ( viciously snapping a thread) —You 
mean, what do I not do? 

Santa Claus —You never have to leave the house. 
All you have to do is to oversee the Work Fairies and 
Brownies, and once in a while take a stitch yourself. 
That’s all, isn’t it? 

Mrs. Santa (grimly)— Yes, that’s all. 

Santa Claus —How would you like to change places 
with me; scurry around in all sorts of weather; hunt 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 125 

up the good children; find out what they want and 
carry heavy packs, climbing over slippery roofs, 
squeezing down sooty chimneys? Why, your work's 
play beside it. 

Mrs. Santa —I'll trade with you. 

Santa Claus —You mean—You mean— 

Mrs. Santa (slamming scissors down on the table) 
—I take your place; you take mine. 

Santa Claus —My dear, you couldn't do my work. 

Mrs. Santa—A s well as you could mine. 

Santa Claus (slapping his leg and bending over 
with laughter) —That's the biggest joke of the season 
—you take my work—Ha! ha! ha! ho! ho! ho! 

Mrs Santa (throwing down work, rising and plac¬ 
ing hands upon hips) —Well, I'm going to give you a 
chance to try mine. I am going for a ride; you can 
take charge of things here. 

Santa Claus ( mockingly )—Certainly, my dear; 
easy things like that don't come my way often. I'm 
going to have a vacation, I am. 

Mrs. Santa {going toward the door) —Well, make 
the most of it. I’ll be gone all afternoon. (Exits.) 

Santa Claus —I’m afraid Mrs. Santa's getting 
nerves. A ride in the frosty air will chase away her 
little worries, and meantime, I'll settle down for a 
quiet nap. (He leans back in the chair; puts his feet 
on the stool and spreads a handkerchief over his face.) 

(Center door flies open and a Broivnie rushes in, 
holding a finger of one hand in the other.) 

Brownie —Mrs. Santa— (Stops when he finds her 
chair vacant — turns to Santa Claus.) Where’s Mrs. 
Santa ? 

Santa Claus —Gone for a ride. I’m taking her 
place this afternoon. What can I do for you? 


126 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Brownie —I cut my finger on the jig saw—Can you 
tie it up? 

Santa Claus (looking about in an uncertain man¬ 
ner) —Sure thing—Let me see now. What—do—I do? 

Brownie —You tear off a strip of white cloth—and 
wind it round and round—then tie it with a thread. 

Santa Claus ( feeling about in his pockets) — 
White cloth—-thread—( Looks around and spies table.) 
Oh yes, I see. (Goes to table, takes up a piece of sew¬ 
ing material, tears off a strip, and goes toward the 
Brownie ivho is still standing in the middle of the 
floor.) Now, let's have the finger. (Brownie holds up 
finger, and Santa awkwardly winds the strip around 
it, making a very clumsy job of it.) Now for the 
thread. (Holding on to the finger, he leads the 
Brownie to the table and takes up a spool of thread , 
which drops to the floor as he unwinds it. He winds 
the thread about the finger until he has used a great 
deal, then clumsily ties it.) 

Brownie (holding up finger and gazing at it du¬ 
biously) —Thank you, Santa. (Goes out center.) 

Santa Claus ( re-seating himself)— Well, that was¬ 
n’t much of a job. Now for a nap. (Spreads hand¬ 
kerchief over face, and leans back. Knock at the 
door.) 

Santa Claus —Come in. {Pause.) Come in! 
{Pause.) COME IN! {Pause.) Well, whoever you 
are, you don’t seem to understand English. {Goes to 
door and flings it open. Brownie enters, looking about 
as though seeking someone.) 

Santa * Claus {aside) —One of those Dummy 
Brownies. {To Brownie in a loud voice.) Well, what 
can I do for you? {Brownie points to table and looks 
about the room.) 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 127 

Santa Claus —Oh, you mean Mrs. Santa. She's 
gone out riding. ( Brownie repeats action of inquiry.) 

Santa Claus ( making a trumpet of his hands and 
shouting louder at Brownie) —She's—gone—out—rid¬ 
ing. (Brownie still gazes uncertainly about and 
points to table.) 

Santa Claus (to himself) —Doesn't seem to get me. 
Guess I'll have to use sign language. ( Points to table, 
then to door—straddles rocking chair—rocks violent¬ 
ly, pretending to flourish whip and shake reins. 
Brownie continues to gaze on stupidly.) 

Santa Claus (to Broivnie) —Understand that? 
(Brownie points to table.) Guess I’ll have to have 
help here. (Takes a whistle from his pocket and 
blows a shrill blast, which brings a Brownie from the 
center door.) 

Santa Claus (pointing to Dummy) —See if you can 
make out what this question mark wants. 

(Brownie, turning to Dummy, makes a sign by plac¬ 
ing a hand to his ear. Dummy points to the table.) 

Brownie (to Santa) — He wants Mrs. Santa. 

Santa Claus — I got that much. Tell him she's- 
gone out riding. 

(Broivnie points to table, then to door leading out¬ 
side—then gallops about the room. Dummy smiles^ 
nodding his head, to show that he understands.) 

Santa Claus (to himself )—Don’t see that that's 
any improvement on my action. Mine was much more 
like riding. (To Brownie.) Can you find out what he 
wants of Mrs. Santa? 

(Brownie turns to Dummy and goes through the 
question performance. Dummy bends his knee, taps 
bottom of his foot, gallops a few steps and stops r 
short.) 


128 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Brownie—H e says he was shoeing a reindeer. 

(They turn again to Dummy, who gives three sharp 
kicks backward, points to his stomach, doubles up and 
Jails to the floor.) 

Brownie (turning to Santa) —The reindeer kicked 
him in the stomach and knocked him down. 

Santa Claus (looking down at Dummy) —Down— 
yes, I see he is down, but what has that to do with Mrs. 
Santa ? 

(Brownie continues question signs to Dummy . 
Dummy pats stomach, then imitates pouring some¬ 
thing from a bottle to a spoon and pretends to swallow 
■it—after which he rubs his stomach.) 

Brownie (to Santa) —His stomach hurts and he 
wants something to make it better. 

Santa Claus (putting his hand to his head as 
though thinking very hard) —Something for stomach 
ache, let me think—Oh, I know, take him out and give 
him some paregoric. (Brownie takes Dummy by the 
hand and runs out center with him.) 

Santa Claus—N ow that that moving picture stunt 
is over, I’ll rest again. (He seats himself as before . 
Telephone rings. He jumps up and takes down re¬ 
ceiver.) Hello!—Yes—This is Santa’s house. Mrs. 
Santa has gone out riding—Can I take the message? 
What’s that? No more material for the French dolls' 
dresses—Can’t get them out for this year—What’s 
that ? What will you do ? Why—ah—why—ah— 
(Scratches his head with his free hand.) Let—me— 
see—Oh! I’ve got it; send out Kewpies instead. 
(Hangs up receiver.) Got out of that easy. (Goes 
toward chair, but before he can seat himself a Brownie 
rushes in, in great excitement, and looks anxiously 
around room.) 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 129 

Brownie— Mrs. Santa! (Turns to Santa.) 

Where’s Mrs. Santa? 

Santa Claus —Gone out riding. Now what’s up? 

Brownie —It isn’t up, it’s doivn. 

Santa Claus —Well— what's down? The high cost 
of living? 

Brownie —No—the pipe of the workroom stove, 
and the room is full of smoke. 

Santa Claus —Well, why don’t you put the pipe 
back? 

Brownie —We can’t. It’s too high for us to reach. 

Santa Claus (to himself) —This looks like another 
job for me. 

(As Santa, followed by Brownie, goes toward center 
door, two Fairies rush in, both screaming excitedly , 
“Mrs. Santa! Mrs. Santa!" They stop short, look at 
the empty chair, turn to Santa and ask, “Where's Mrs. 
Santa?") 

Santa Claus—G one out riding. Can I do anything 
for you ? 

First Fairy —Mrs. Santa told me to dress the Jap¬ 
anese doll and Midge thinks she has to help. 

Second Fairy—I only want to make a hat for it. 

Santa Claus —Wait until I come back. I have to 
set up that stovepipe. (Santa and Brownie go out 
center.) 

Second Fairy—I don’t see why you can’t let me 
make a hat for the Jap doll. 

First Fairy —Because Jap ladies don’t wear hats. 

Second Fairy—W hat do they wear on their heads? 

First Fairy (looking at picture which she carries 
in her hand) —The picture just shows two big hat 
pins. 

Second Fairy —That shows that there should be a 


130 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

hat. What's the use of hat pins, if you don't have a 
hat to pin on ? 

First Fairy (looks puzzled) —Well, we'll see what 
Mrs. Santa says. She always knows. 

Second Fairy —But she isn’t here. Santa Claus 
will have to settle it. 

First Fairy (scornfully )—Santa! What does a 
man know about ladies' hats? 

(Enter Santa. Wig awry; face, hands, and clothing 
daubed with soot.) 

Santa Claus —Now—What’s this about the Jap 
doll—she’s lost her hat? 

First Fairy—N o, she hasn’t had a hat. 

Santa Claus —Why don’t you make her one? 

Second Fairy— That’s just what I want to do. 

Santa Claus (impatiently )—She needs a hat. You 
want to make her one. What’s all this rumpus about? 

First Fairy —Jap ladies don’t wear hats. Here is 
the picture Mrs. Santa gave me to go by. (Santa 
takes the picture and studies it closely.) 

Santa Claus — This lady doesn’t seem to be wear¬ 
ing a hat, but perhaps she isn’t dressed for the street. 

Second Fx\iry (clapping her hands and jumping up 
and doivn) —That’s it! That’s it! And she’s stuck 
the hat pins in her hair, so as to have them handy 
when she wants to put on her hat. (Turns to Santa.) 
What kind of a hat shall I make for her? 

Santa Claus —Why—well—ah—let me see. ( Stud¬ 
ies the picture.) She’ll need a big one to fit over all 
that hair. And you can put on some fur and lace—and 
ribbon and—wheat and—fruit and—a whole vegeta¬ 
ble garden. 

Second Fairy —That’s a good deal to put on one 
hat. Wouldn’t it make it rather heavy? 


/ 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 131 

First Fairy—I told you men didn’t know anything 
about ladies’ hats. 

Santa Claus (sharply)— What’s that? 

First Fairy (a trifle embarrassed) —It wouldn’t be 
stylish to have so much on a hat. 

Santa Claus —Don’t put anything on it then—I’ve 
seen them that way. 

Second Fairy—I could drape a veil over it. That 
would be pretty. 

Santa Claus (waving his hand) —All right— Any¬ 
thing goes with ladies’ hats. 

(Fairies go toward center door, and almost bump 
into another fairy who rushes in crying, “Mrs. Santa! 
Mrs. Santa!”) 

Santa Claus —Gone out riding. What do you want 
of her? 

Fairy —Tweedles has upset the glue pot. 

Santa Claus —Tell him to clean it up. 

Fairy —But we have no more glue to fasten on the 
dolls’ wigs. 

Santa Claus (scratching his head thoughtfully) — 
Tie them on with a string. 

Fairy —But that wouldn’t look right. 

Santa Claus —That’s the way I put mine on. Noth¬ 
ing the matter with it, is there ? 

Fairy (looking at Santa's wig) —I suppose it’s all 
right for you, but— 

Santa Claus —Well, if it’s good enough for me, it’s- 
good enough for dolls, so you tie ’em on. (Exit 
Fairy.) 

Santa Claus (looking toward the chair) —Wonder 
if I could make that chair before the next call? (En¬ 
ter Brownie, center, holding his hand over one eye.) 

Brownie —Mrs. Santa— 


132 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Santa Claus ( wearily) —Gone out riding. What's 
the matter with you ? 

Brownie—S omething in my eye. 

Santa Claus—K eep your eye shut for a while, then 
blow your nose real hard—that’ll fetch it. 

Brownie—B ut I have been doing that for a long 
time, and it’s still there. 

Santa Claus— How does Mrs. Santa get things out 
of eyes? 

Brownie—I don’t know; she just gets them out. 

Santa Claus —Open your eye and let me see it. 
Oh, I see it. I’ll blow it out. (Blows.) Is it gone? 

Brownie (blinking eye very hard) —No—it’s still 
there. 

Santa Claus— Run out and bathe it in snow. I 
think that will fetch it. (Brownie goes out , holding 
his hand over his eye. Telephone rings; at same time 
loud knocking is heard at the outer door.) Well—I 
can’t do two things at once, so I’ll answer the phone 
first. (Takes down receiver. Knocking continues . 
Speaks into receiver.) Hello! (Turns to door.) Come 
in\ (To phone.) You are in?—Who said you weren’t? 
— (To door.) COME IN ! (To phone.) You want to 
get out? Well, go out. (Knocking continues. To 
door.) Stop that knocking and come IN! (To phone.) 

You want Santa’s house? Well—you’ve got it. Eh_ 

What’s that?—You’re locked in the packing house— 
Who locked you in? All right. I’ll send someone to 
let you out. (Hangs up receiver and goes toward 
door , ivhere knocking continues. Chorus from inner 
room , “Mrs. Santa! Mrs. Santa!”) 

Santa Claus —Do I hear a familiar cry? (Rushes 
to outer door and flings it open. Brownie enters with 
mail sack ivhich he dumps on the floor.) 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


133 


Brownie—Y ou had me locked out. (From within 
— “Mrs. Santa! Mrs. Santa!”) 

Santa Claus {stamping hack and forth) —One’s 
locked in —another’s locked out —and (pointing to 
room whence come cries for Mrs. Santa) I wish the 
rest were locked up. (Exit Brownie by outer door. 
Santa flings open center door, yelling) What’s this 
racket about? (Voices from within: “She did!” 
“She did not!” “She did, too!” “No, she didn't!” 
Three Brownies carrying paint brushes run in.) 

Santa Claus —What did she do? 

First Brownie—S he said to paint the rocking horse 
red. 

Second Brownie—N o, blue. 

Third Brownie—S he said to use green paint. 

Santa Claus— A red horse—a blue horse—a green 
horse— 

Brownies (all together) —That’s what Mrs. Santa 
said. 

Santa Claus—W ell, Mrs. Santa isn’t here—so we’ll 
have a horse of another color—Go paint it black. 
(Exit Brownies. Santa mops his face.) 

Santa Claus—N ow—I’ll get acquainted with that 
chair. (From within — “Mrs. Santa, Mrs. Santa.” 
Door opens and Tinkle, one of the Fairies, ringing a 
small bell, skips in.) 

Santa Claus—W hat do you want? 

Tinkle (continuing to ring her bell) —Nothing. 

Santa Claus—W hat did you come in here for ? 

Tinkle—T he other Fairies chased me. 

Santa Claus—W hy did they chase you? 

Tinkle—B ecause I was ringing my bell in their 
ears. 

Santa Claus—I s that all you have to do ? 


134 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


Tinkle ( impudently ringing her bell in Santa's 
ear) —Yes. ( Santa reaches for her but Tinkle es¬ 
capes, ringing her bell as she goes out center. Tele¬ 
phone rings.) 

Santa Claus —I thought I missed something. That 
bell hasn't rung for ten whole seconds. ( Takes down 
receiver.) Hello! What's that? You’re not out yet? 
Out of where? Oh! I forgot. I'll send someone 
right out. ( Blows blast on his whistle . Brownie ap¬ 
pears.) Go out and unlock the packing room door. 
There’s a Brownie locked in. ( Loud knocking at the 
door.) 

Santa Claus —That’s right—Keep it up—( Phone 
rings. Santa rushes first toward the door, then to¬ 
ward the phone; finally makes a wild dash for the door 
and throws it open—admitting Mrs. Santa.) 

Mrs. Santa —I've had a lovely drive—Why, Nich¬ 
olas! What is the matter with your face? (With a 
sly smile.) Have you had a quiet, restful afternoon, 
Nichola’s ? 

Santa Claus —Quiet? Restful? Well, time hasn't 
•exactly hung heavy on my hands! 

Mrs. Santa —Perhaps you would like to try it some 
morning. That is the busy time. 

Santa Claus — Busy! BUSY! —My dear, if six 
mornings can bring more work than I've had this 
afternoon, I’m willing to own that I am a mere loafer. 
I must see that you have more help. 

Mrs. Santa —Oh, no, Nicholas, I don’t need help—I 
just wanted to prove to you that I fill a useful place in 
the Christmas Scheme. 

Santa Claus — Useful! —Why, you’re the whole 
thing. I merely deliver the goods. I think I’ll go out 
and chop ice for a rest. (Exits.) 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 135 

{Center door opens and a Brownie peeps in. Seeing 
Mrs. Santa he calls hack to tvorkroom, (( Mrs. Santa’s 
back! Mrs. Santa’s hack!” Brownies and Fairies 
croivd in, form a ring around Mrs. Santa and sing.) 

The following lines can be set to the music and 
coupled with the action of some folk dance, or use the 
tune of “Yankee Doodle.” 

Mrs. Santa has returned, 

Glad are we to greet her. 

Good St. Nick her worth has learned, 

With homage now he’ll treat her. 

She it is who is our guide, 

All our problems solving. 

Our many wants are ne’er denied, 

Though all her time involving. 

Dearest mistress of our tasks, 

Our loyal service ever 

Hastes to do the things she asks, 

And we’ll desert her never. 

(Tableau.) 

Clara L. Austin . 


That Bag 

CHARACTERS 
Mother —In street costume. 

Margaret —Her daughter, in everyday dress. 
Margaret (as doo7'bell rings) —That must be the 
bag I bought for Mother’s Christmas present. I’ll go 
quickly before she hears. Then I can hide it. (Goes 
to door. As she takes bundle, her mother appears at 
the other door.) 


136 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Mother {aside) —That must be the bag I bought 
for Margaret's Christmas present. She has been ask¬ 
ing me so much about bags that I got her one to-day. 
Now how can I get it away from her? {Aloud) — 
Dear, I’m going upstairs. I’ll take that package up 
with me. It must be Father’s shirt; I heard him say 
he was going to buy one to-day. 

Margaret {hastily) —Oh, no, Mother, never mind, 
I’ll take it up. I know you’re tired. 

Mother {desperately) —Put it down a minute, 
dear. I—want—you to {looks around as if for inspi¬ 
ration and spies her knitting) —Will you put a sock on 
the needles for me? I’m going to make poor old Mr. 
Smith a pair for Christmas. 

Margaret —Yes, Mother. {Holds package firmly 
under her arm while she takes up basket .)— Why, 
Mother, you have a sock already commenced! 

Mother —Yes, yes, I know. But I want another 
one on the other needles. {Lamely) —I like to work 
on one and then the other till I finish them both. 

Margaret {wonderingly) — I didn’t know that. 
{Puts bundle on floor under her chair while she begins 
casting on stitches for socks.) 

Mother {draws her chair up close to Margaret and 
begins cautiously to reach down to bundle) —Fifty 
stitches, you know, dear. 

Margaret {who sees ivhat her mother is trying to 
do—in consternation) —See, Mother, am I doing it 
right? There, oh dear, how stupid of me! {As she 
purposely drops yarn under chair , she pulls bundle 
away from her mother's side and continues casting on 
stitches.) 

Mother {reaches for yarn on floor and pulls bundle 
by one corner towards her) —I’ll just take Father’s 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 137 

shirt up with me now while you finish casting on those 
stitches for me. I—want—to look out the window up¬ 
stairs and—see if the postman is coming. 

Margaret (aside) —Mother seems possessed to 
have that bundle. I believe she suspects that it is her 
Christmas present. I didn’t know she was -so curious. 
(Aloud) —But why don’t you look out of the window 
here? 

Mother (wildly) —I don’t want the neighbors to 
see me. (Starts to leave with the bundle in her arms.) 
(Aside) —I hope I can get away this time. I believe 
she suspects me. 

Margaret —Now, Mother, I’m through. Let me 
take it up for you. I’ll look out for the postman, too. 
(She runs up gaily and tries to take it from her moth¬ 
er's arms. In the struggle the package falls to the 
floor, comes open and shows a man's shirt.) 

Margaret and Mother (as Margaret holds up 
shirt) —Why it is Father’s shirt! (They look at each 
other and burst out laughing.) 

May L. Treadwell. 

Their Christmas Gifts 

Characters —Mr. and Mrs. Brown and their five 
children. 

Time —Christmas Eve. 

Setting —Sitting room or library of the Brown 
home. 

Vera (at table, pencil and paper in hand, very puz- 
2/ed)_Now what can I give Father and Mother for 
Christmas? There isn’t a penny in my bank (shakes 
empty bank) and I’ve tried and tried to earn some. 
I wonder if any of the rest have thought of something 
nice to make. (Goes to one side and calls.) Harold, 


138 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Florence, all of you, come here quick! ( After a mo¬ 
ment all come running.) 

Harold, Charley, Hattie, Florence—W hat is it? 
What do you want? 

Vera—H attie, what are you going to give Mother 
for Christmas ? 

Hattie—I don't know. The baby next door got that 
card I made at school and tore it. 

Harold—I was going to give Father my candy pipe, 
but Charley traded me his whistle for it. 

Charley—Y es, and then I ate it up! 

Florence ( a very tiny girl) —My best doll cracked 
her nose or Fd give her to Mother. 

All the Others—W ouldn’t that be a funny pres¬ 
ent? 

VERA —Well, what are we going to do? Don’t you 
know it’s Christmas Eve? We ought to decide right 
away before they come back from town. 

Hattie—O h, I’ve thought of something! 

All the Others—W hat is it? Tell us quick. ( All 
whisper together.) 

Charley—I know what I can do. I can— 

All the Others—H ush! Keep still! etc. 

Harold—T hat’s just fine. Why didn’t we think of 
it before ? 

Vera—N ow let’s write them down. Here’s the en¬ 
velope for Father’s and this is for Mother’s. 

(They tear paper into strips and all write busily for 
a few minutes. The children should be encouraged to 
be original and make this part of the act as natural as 
possible by adding actions of their own.) 

Charley—I hear them coming; let’s run! ( They 
hurriedly put slips in envelopes and run off stage.) 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 139 

(Enter Mr, and Mrs. Brown with arms filled with 
'packages.) 

Mr. Brown —Hello! What's this? ( Picks up en¬ 
velopes from the table and looks at them.) Here's a 
letter for you, Bessie, and one for me, too. 

Mrs. Brown —Oh, it's some of the children's work, 
I suppose. (Opens and reads.) 

“Our Christmas present to Mother. We will wash 
the dishes every night.—Vera and Hattie." 

Why, those blessed children! Do open yours, John; 
there's something from each one, I do believe. 

Mr. Brown (reads) —“I will feed the chickens 
every morning.—Harold." “I will split the kindlings 
every night.—Charley." 

Mrs. Brown —Just listen to this: Charley says, 
“I’ll be so good that you won't have to spank me for a 
whole month," and Florence's present is a promise not 
to cry when I comb her hair. 

Mr. Brown— wnat is Harold's? 

Mrs. Brown —Oh, he says he will always keep the 
woodbox full of wood. New what did the girls give 
you? 

Mr. Brown —Well, Florence promises to feed her 
pet rabbit every day without being told, and Vera and 
Hattie are going to work together again. They are 
going to learn how to crochet and make me a pair of 
slippers. Whatever could have put this idea into the 
children's heads, anyway? Can you guess, Bessie? 

Mrs. Brown —I'm sure I don't know, but they have 
discovered one thing, and that is that the true Christ- 
•mas gift is one of love and not of money. 

Both —Of all the Christmas gifts we have ever re¬ 
ceived or ever expect to receive these (holding out 
slips) are the best. Edith E. Horton. 


140 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

The Dolls’ Farewell 

CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES 

Santa Claus —Usual Santa Claus costume; Santa 
Claus mask. 

Mrs. Santa Claus —Long skirt; white apron; cap 
and kerchief; powdered hair; spectacles. 

Girl Dolls: 

First Dancing Doll 
Second Dancing Doll 
Crying Doll 
Talking Doll 
Singing Doll 

Boy Dolls: 

Cowboy —Khaki shirt and trousers; red bandanna 
around neck; broad-brimmed felt hat; belt with re¬ 
volver. 

Soldier Doll —Soldier suit; drum. 

Sailor Boy —White middy suit. 

Colonial Doll— Knickerbockers; long-tailed coat 
with ruffles at neck and wrists; tri-corner hat; white 
stockings and black pumps. 

Indian Doll —Indian costume and headdress. 

Scene — A room in Santa Claus's house . The dolls 
( boys and girls alternating) are standing in a row at 
the front of the room, except Arabella, the Singing 
Doll, who stands beside Mrs. Santa Claus's chair. Mrs . 
Santa Claus is rocking and sewing a rosette on Ara¬ 
bella's cap. Enter Santa Claus. 

Santa Claus —Well, Mother Santa Claus, are the 
dolls almost ready? 

Mrs. Santa Claus —I’m just putting the last stitch 
in Arabella’s cap. The others are all ready. ( She 


White starched dresses 
with different colored 
sashes; white baby caps 
with rosettes and stream¬ 
ers to match sashes. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 141 

'points to dolls at front , then fits the cap on Arabella.) 
There! Doesn't she look sweet? You must give her 
to a good little girl who will take care of her. 

Santa Claus —We’re getting ready in good season 
this year. Here it is only the twenty-first of December 
and my toys are all in my pack. 

Mrs. Santa Claus —And the dolls can be packed to¬ 
night. 

Santa Claus —Suppose we try them now and see if 
they are all in working order. Then after dinner we 
can put them into their boxes. 

Mrs. Santa Claus—Y ou wind them, Santa. 

(She hands him a key and proceeds to dust dolls 
while Santa turns key at the back of each doll in turn 
and the doll performs. All movements are stiff and 
jerky.) 

1. Crying Doll cries and dabs eyes with handker¬ 
chief. 

2. Colonial Doll lifts right hand to head, removes 
hat, makes deep bow, returns to position and replaces 
hat. 

3. Singing Doll sings scale up and down to the sound 
of “oo.” 

4. Sailor Boy makes motion of hoisting sail or 
dances “Sailor’s Hornpipe.” 

5. Dancing Doll (1) with small steps tiptoes out 
and circling hands overhead points, pivots about twice, 
then spreading skirts makes deep curtsey and tiptoes 
back into place. 

6. Soldier Doll lifts drumsticks and drums three 
times. 

7. Dancing Doll (2) with stiff knees, and heels, 
touching floor, steps to the right, feet together, step. 
Same to left. Repeat. 


142 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


8. Cowboy recites, at the same time taking out toy 
pistol, aiming, and returning to belt. 

“I’m a bold bad man, a desperado, 

And when I strike town there’s a tornado, 

And everywhere I go I give my war WHOOP!” 

9. Talking Doll says “Maa—ma—Paa—pa—Maa— 
ma—Paa—pa.” 

10. Indian Doll jumps up and down three times, giv¬ 
ing whoop after each jump. 

(While dolls are performing Mrs. Santa Claus 
stands at one side.) 

Mrs. Santa Claus —Well, they all seem to be in 
good order. 

Santa Claus —Yes. And now let’s have dinner. 
I’m as hungry as a bear. We can pack them after¬ 
ward. 

(They go out arm in arm. When they have disap¬ 
peared, the Singing Doll steps out and addresses the 
others. The actions of the dolls now become natural.) 

Singing Doll —Did you hear that? We’re going to 
be packed to-night! 

Dancing Doll (1)—Yes. It’s a shame! Here it 
is only Thursday and Christmas doesn’t come until 
next Monday! Three whole days in a box without a 
chance to move! 

Crying Doll ( crying )—And—we—may never— 
see each other—again. 

Indian Doll —Let’s have a good romp before they 
come back. 

Dancing Doll (2) —Yes. Let’s pretend we’re real 
children and dance. 

All —Hurrah! 

(Dolls take partners and form double circle, inside 
hands joined. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 143 

1. They skip around in circle and sing to tune of 
chorus of “Good Night, Ladies.” 

Christmas Day is coming soon, coming soon, coming 
soon, 

Christmas Day is coming soon, and children long for 
dolls. 

2. Dolls face each other, join right hands with part¬ 
ners and sing to tune of same song, shaking hands on 
each “Good-by.” 

Good-by, comrades! 

Good-by, comrades! 

Good-by, comrades! 

We’ll have to part e’er long. 

When they sing last line, the girl dolls stand still 
and boy dolls take three steps sideways right. ( Each 
time step to right with right foot , bring left foot up to 
right, heels together.) This should bring each boy 
facing a new partner. On word “long” bow to new 
partner. 

Repeat from 1. 

(After they have finished dancing with second or 
third partner Santa Claus's voice is heard outside.) 

Santa Claus—A re the boxes on the shelf? 

(The dolls stop dancing suddenly.) 

Singing Doll —Hush! They’re coming! 

Sailor Boy —Quick! Back to our places! 

(All return to places and stiffen. Enter Mrs. Santa 
Claus and Santa Claus.) 

Mrs. Santa Claus—I’ ll count them. One, two 
three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. 

Santa Claus —Then we have just enough boxes for 
all. Shall we bring them in and pack them in the work¬ 
shop? 


144 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Mrs. Santa Claus —Yes, I’ll help you. ( They go 

out.) 

(Dolls face partners as they stand at the front of 
the room. They shake hands slowly , dabbing eyes 
with handkerchiefs as they sing in sobbing voices.) 


Good-by, comrades! 

Good-by, comrades! 

Good-by, comrades! 

We’ll have to part e’er long. 

Elsie R. Redman . 

The Little Christmas Spirit 


CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES 
Santa Claus—R egulation costume. 

Good Fairy—F airy costume with wand. 

Little Christmas Spirit—S carlet cape and hat. 
Christmas Symbols—N ine children as Christmas 
symbols, as follows: 


Wreath 

Christmas Card 

Candle 

Candy Cane 

Yule Log 

Carol 

Stocking 

Star 

Bell 


C 

H 

R 

I 

S 

T 

M 

A 

S 


Each of the Symbols bears a red letter, so that they 
form the word CHRISTMAS in the stage background, 
and each one carries his particular Christmas symbol. 
The wreath, candle, candy cane, etc. should be the 
largest size obtainable, so as to be plainly seen by the 
audience. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 145- 
PROLOGUE 

Santa Claus —Oh dear, I am so tired! I have been 
hustling for weeks and I feel I need some help this 
Christmas. 

Good Fairy —Why, what is the matter, dear Santa 
Claus? Has one of your precious reindeer gone lame? 
Is anything the matter with your sleigh this Christ¬ 
mas? 

Santa —Oh no, nothing like that, but you see, just 
before Christmas I am so busy I am afraid I may for¬ 
get some little girl or boy, and I don’t want to skip any 
waiting chimneys. 

Good Fairy —Perhaps the fairies can help you, 
Santa Claus, if you will just tell us all your troubles. 

Santa—I need a helper. Do you know of anyone? 

Good Fairy —Well, there is always the Little Christ¬ 
mas Spirit. Shall I bring her in to see you, Santa 
Claus? 

Santa —Yes, please, perhaps she will know just 
what to do. 

(Enter Good Fairy and Christmas Spirit. Both curt¬ 
sey to Santa Claus.) 

Santa —Dear little jolly Christmas Spirit, why is 
it I have never seen you before? 

Spirit —I always fly ahead of you, Santa Claus. I 
am always two or three weeks away from you. I am 
your forerunner, you know, and you do keep me busy!. 
Your reindeer seem to be always right on my heels, 
and I have to skip lively to keep you from catching 
me. 

Santa —Yes, Little Spirit, and this Christmas, 
season we are going to be busier than ever making up- 
for lost time, and I have a task for you. 

Spirit—W hat is it? 


146 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Santa —I want you to explain to the girls and boys 
how rushed I am this year and tell them of the need 
for good generous children in the world this Yuletide. 

Spirit —That is easy. The girls and boys are my 
faithful followers and just before Christmas they are 
as good as they can be. And see, I have brought some 
of my helpers to tell you how we prepare the way for 
your Christmas visit, dear old Santa Claus. 

Santa —I feel better already! I know now that this 
is going to be a happy Christmas for everyone. Let 
the children tell me how you work, Christmas Spirit, 
with your magic smile melting even the hardest hearts. 
I feel sure you carry a bundle of sunbeams under your 
gay red cloak and from it scatter sunshine everywhere. 

Spirit —Santa, you flatter me! Hear what my little 
messengers have to say. 

(The Christmas Symbols are in the background of 
stage while Santa, the Good Fairy and the Little 
Christmas Spirit hold the center front of stage. Now 
the Fairy goes to sit on a footstool at one side, Santa 
sinks into a comfortable chair at right of stage and 
the Little Christmas Spirit presents the Symbols to 
him. She leads forward each child, says a verse, and 
steps one side.) 

I 

Spirit— 

Come, jolly little Christmas Wreath, 

And in your happy way, 

Just tell our good old Santa Claus 
How you help Christmas Day. 

Wreath— 

The Christmas Spirit whispers, 

Oh, hang the wreaths on high, 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


147 


To tell to all the neighbors 
That Christmas Day is nigh! 

The jolly little symbol 

Peeps through the windowpane, 

Bright green and glowing scarlet, 

In spite of snow or rain— 

Helping the Christmas fairies 
To scatter joy and cheer, 

So we hang the wreaths for Christmas 
When that gladsome time draws* near. 

II 

Spirit— 

Now Christmas Card so bright, 

Tell Santa with what great delight 
You go a-flying through the mail, 
Bearing a merry Christmas tale. 

Christmas Card— 

I am a little Christmas Card, 

And I try very, very hard 
To pave the way for Santa Claus, 

By helping in his splendid cause. 

O'er the earth I go, a-winging, 

Starting good folks' hearts a-singing, 
Always with a message glad 
Cheering up the sick or sad. 

With my merry little rhymes 
Rivaling the Christmas chimes, 

So I the Christmas Spirit bring 
To old and young, peasant and king. 


148 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

III 

Spirit— 

And little Candle, add your glow, 

So old Santa Claus will know 
Why you shine so bright and gay 
For the lovely Christmas Day. 
Christmas Candle— 

O'er a manger long ago 
Fell the little candle’s glow, 

Lighting up the stable lowly 

For the Christ Child, sweet and holy. 

So when, at Christmas, children see 
The candles flickering on the tree, 

Or from the windows gleaming bright 
Through the peaceful winter night, 

They know the gentle, guiding flame 
Is calling them to bless His name, 

And pray for goodness on this earth 
Because of the dear Christ Child’s birth. 

IV 

Spirit— 

Candy Cane, it’s up to you 
To be so sweet and good 
That old St. Nick will laugh and say, 
“You helped—I knew you could!” 
Candy Cane— 

The Little Christmas Spirit knows 
How.fast the Christmas candy goes. 

So she gets just heaps and piles 
To bring to children happy smiles. 

Candies of all kinds and sizes, 

Little ones, and big surprises! 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


149 


Christmas candies, bright and gay 
Especially for Christmas Day. 

When the jolly Candy Cane 
O'er the sugar plums doth reign, 
Children know the joys of Youth, 

And are glad of a sweet tooth! 

V 

Spirit— 

Yule Log, snap and sparkle, 

Make the fireplace glow, 

So that Santa dear may see 

How Christmas cheer should grow. 
Yule Log— 

Around the blazing Yule Log, 

The Christmas peace is found, 
Where fireside groups do linger, 

And joy and love abound. 

We light the Christmas fires 
In every home and heart, 

To tell of Christmas gladness; 

Let each one have a part! 

Eemember the Christmas Spirit, 

Help and pity the poor, 

And turn no hungry wanderer 
At Christmas, from your door. 

So keep the pleasant Yuletide, 

That its blessings may appear 
To bring you faith and thankfulness 
Throughout the coming year. 


150 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

VI 

Spirit— 

Sing so gladly, children dear, 

All the Christmas story, 

That your message may ring out 
With sweetest love and glory. 

Christmas Carol— 

From the heavens the angels' story 
Swept out with its wondrous glory 
O’er the shepherds, awed and still, 

On the wild Judean hill. 

“Peace on earth, good-will to men”— 

Hear it echo now, as then, 

As we sing in joyous praise 
Anthems for the Christmas days. 

Song 

At this point any Christmas Carol the children 
know may be sung, a solo may be introduced, or the 
whole group of children may sing. If used as a church 
entertainment, a number of choir boys might sing. 

VII 

Spirit— 

Little fat Stocking, come now and tell 
How you carry your burden well, 

A cute, handy pocket for Santa Claus’ toys, 

When he steals down the chimney, without any 
noise. 

Stocking— 

When Santa creeps down the chimney, 

In the night, so quiet and still, 

With his load cf Christmas goodies 
Our empty stockings to fill— 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


151 


And sees them hung up in a row, 
By the fireplace high, 

Does he wonder how’ we know 
Christmas Eve is nigh? 

Oh, we know he will appear— 

We've heard the Spirit’s warning, 

And so we’re ready every year 
For fun on Christmas morning. 

Real surprises in the night, 

Fly into our stocking; 

If Santa ever passed us by, 

Indeed it would be shocking! 

VIII 

Spirit— 

Star so bright and golden, 

With your radiance streaming, 

Keep on shining down the years 
To guide us in our dreaming. 
Star— 

This Star, with gentle, tender light 
Has shone all down the years, 

Telling of faith and hope and love, 
Driving away all tears. 

So follow the ancient Wise Men, 
And be guided by the Star; 

Keep the Christmas Spirit with you 
No matter where you are. 

IX 

Come, silvery Bell, and sweetly ring 
The Christmas tidings out, 

So Santa Claus will surely know 
What we are all about. 


152 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 
Bell— 

Everywhere on Christmas Eve, 

Silvery bells are pealing, 

O’er the sleepy little towns, 

Through big cities stealing. 

‘Clear o’er the frozen Northland, 

Soft through the Southern climes; 

Hark to the Christmas story 
Binging in merry chimes! 

Over the sparkling snowdrifts, 

Gently o’er summer flowers, 

The happy bells of Christmas 
Swing away for hours. 

Giving thanks for Christmas Day, 

Oh, joyous bells keep ringing 
Until around the whole wide world 
People’s hearts are singing. 

Fairy, Christmas Spirit and Symbols (recite 
in unison, addressing Santa Claus) — 

With bells and lighted candles, 

With wreaths and garlands too, 

With jollity and laughter, 

We open hearts for you. 

;Santa Claus ( rises and replies) — 

Oh, happy Christmas Symbols, 

Dear helpers good and true, 

Your story rings deep in my heart, 

And my thanks go out to you. 

And how I need the children! 

I’m glad you hear my call, 

Keep up the Christmas happiness, 

Keep Christmas, one and all! 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 153! 

Fairy, Christmas Spirit and Santa Claus ( join 
hands and, with the nine Symbols, address audience) — 
The Little Christmas Spirit 
Is flying o'er the land, 

Scattering happiness 
With a lavish hand. 

We pray that she may visit you, 

As she goes upon her way, 

For then we know you’ll surely have 
A Merry Christmas Day. 

Ethel Hawthorne Tewksbury. 


The Greatest Gift of All 


CHARACTERS 

Six friends who have made great preparations for 
Christmas: 


Mary 

Jack 

Alice 

Six poor children: 
John 
Edith 
Frank 


Harold 

Josephine 

Helen 

Sadie 

Arthur 

Raymond 


Mother of Poor Children 
Fairy 

Santa Claus 


COSTUMES 

In Scene I the six friends dress in everyday cos¬ 
tumes. 

In Scene II: 

Jack —Same suit as in Scene I. The box in which 


154 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

he is seen when representing the jack-in-the-box 
should be a large pasteboard carton such as is found 
in hardware stores. Cut the lid so it will spring up 
easily. Cover the box with red crepe paper and paste 
gay pictures on the outside. 

Mary —Fluffy dress. She remains rigid like a doll. 

Harold —Same suit as in Scene I, but he is hidden 
in a long cylinder made of cardboard and covered with 
red paper to represent a large firecracker. 

Josephine —White dress with Mother Goose pic¬ 
tures pasted on it. The pictures should be cut from sil¬ 
houette paper. She should hold a large sheet of Moth¬ 
er Goose pictures before her face. 

Helen —Teddy Bear suit made of brown canton 
flannel. 

Six Poor Children —Very ordinary clothes. 

Mother—P oor clothing. 

Fairy—F luffy dress trimmed with tinsel. 

Santa Claus —Regulation suit, bells and bag. 
Long, flowing beard. 

SCENE I 

Setting— A comfortable sitting room . A Christ¬ 
mas tree is seen in the background. All children are 
busy wrapping parcels . 

Mary —I’ve finished all my presents and they are 
marked and ready to send. 

Jack —Harold and I have proved that boys can 
make Christmas presents as well as girls. 

Harold (holding up a well-made wooden article) — 
Sec this! Isn’t it pretty ? This is for Mother. 

Alice —My presents are all finished, too, but some 
way or other I’m not at all happy. 

Josephine —I’ve felt that way, too. I wonder why. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 155 

Helen —Listen! I hear someone coming! ( All 

endeavor to conceal presents.) 

(Enter Fairy . Children look frightened.) 

Fairy —Do not be frightened, dear children. I am 
the Fairy of Happiness. I have noticed your unhappi¬ 
ness and I have come to bring you what no one should 
be without at this glad Christmas season—true, gen¬ 
uine happiness. I have heard some of you say that you 
have not this great gift, and I see from the faces of the 
others that with all your blessings, this great one is 
lacking. 

Alice —We will be so very glad, dear fairy, to re¬ 
ceive your gift, for indeed we are not happy. 

Fairy —If you obtain this great gift you will have 
to do just as I say. 

Josephine —We will obey you in everything, dear 
Fairy. 

Fairy—F or whom have you made gifts? 

Mary—I have a gift ready for every member of my 
family and for each person who will remember me. 

Jack—I have made a gift for those I love best. 

Alice—I have made fourteen presents in all. 

Harold —One of mine cost one dollar and a quarter 
besides all the work. 

Josephine —This is the most beautiful present I 
have. (Holding up a gift.) It is for my cousin. I 
made it for her because someone told me that she had 
made me a handsome present. 

Helen (holding up a present) — I made this for a 
friend of mine. She gave me a beautiful present last 
Christmas and I want to give her a beautiful one, too, 
for I know she will expect it. 

Fairy (looking sad) —Dear children, I do not be¬ 
lieve one of you knows why we celebrate Christmas. 


156 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

All—O h, yes, we do! 

Fairy —Please tell me, Mary. 

Mary —Why—why—we do it so we can give and get 
presents. 

Jack —No, no. IPs so we can have a big dinner 
with turkey, cranberry sauce, and everything. 

Alice —No, it is so Santa Claus can come. 

Fairy —No, you are all wrong. Haven’t any of you 
ever heard of the birth of the Christ Child ? 

Josephine —Of course we have, and Christmas Day 
is the day on which He was born. 

Fairy —And the only reason we give gifts on that 
day is because we are trying to do good, just as the 
Christ Child did, for you know His gift was the great¬ 
est gift the world has ever known. But you are giving 
gifts just because others will give them to you. That 
is why you have missed this great happiness. 

Jack—I knew something was the matter, for I have 
been all out of sorts ever since I began getting ready 
for Christmas. 

Mary—I see now that we have only tried to outdo 
others and have not tried to give happiness. 

Helen—T ell us, dear Fairy, of someone we can 
help, for that is what we need. 

(Fairy sits in easy chair and children gather around 
her knee.) 

Fairy —Down in another part of the city, by the 
river, is a very poor family. The father was killed in 
a factory a short time ago, and the mother can scarce¬ 
ly find food enough for her seven children. They will 
not have a single Christmas present. If you would 
give them some of your great store, I am sure it would 
make you happy to see their joy. 

Jack —I’ll give them all of mine! 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 157 

All —And so will I ! And so will I! 

Josephine—I wish we could be there so we could 
see them when they receive the gifts. 

Harold —Well, can’t we? 

Fairy —I’m afraid so many children who have been 
used to so much will frighten these poor children. 

Mary —Can’t you think of some way to arrange it? 
I am sure you can, dear fairy, for you know so much. 

(Fairy puts head in hands and thinks a while. She 
suddenly drops hands and raises head.) 

Fairy —I have an idea. I’ll change each of you into 
a plaything that delights children most. As soon as 
these poor boys and girls touch you the charm will be 
broken and you will be a little child again. In this way 
you will get acquainted easily. 

All (jumping up and clapping hands) —How jolly! 

Jack—W hat shall I be? 

Fairy—I’ ll make you a jack-in-the-box. 

Mary—A nd what shall I be? 

Fairy —You will make a beautiful doll, while Alice 
will be a large stick of peppermint candy. 

Harold—I don’t know what you’ll make me. Moth¬ 
er says I cannot keep still a minute. 

Fairy —I’ll make you a large firecracker and then 
you can “go off” whenever you like. Josephine will be 
a great Mother Goose picture book with pictures of 
Jack and Jill, Polly Flinders, and all the others. Helen 
will make a fine, big Teddy Bear. 

Jack and Harold (clapping hands) —This is fine 
already, and we haven’t begun yet. 

Fairy —Hurry now, for Christmas comes to¬ 
morrow, you know, and you have to get all your pres¬ 
ents re-marked. 

(Children begin to pick up presents.) 


158 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 
SCENE II 

Setting — A poorly furnished room. The same 
Christmas tree shown in Scene I background; Mother 
and six children admiring tree . 

Mother —What a wonderful tree! 

John —Mother, Fm sure the good, kind fairy sent it. 

Edith (taking note from tree) —Here is a little 
note. (Reads.) “Santa Claus will be here at eleven 
o’clock with more presents.” 

All —Oh, how wonderful! How very wonderful! 

(A great noise outside of stamping feet and sleigh 
bells. Enter Santa Claus with sackful of presents.) 

Santa Claus (depositing sack on the floor )—This 
is the most popular house on all my rounds. I have 
more presents outside. They are the largest of their 
kind I have ever seen. 

(Santa Claus goes out and comes in with a large box.) 

Santa Claus —This is a jack-in-the-box. 

Frank —Let’s see how it opens. (Touches spring 
and out hops Jack.) 

Jack —Good morning! Merry Christmas! I know 
that I am the liveliest jack-in-the-box you have ever 
seen. 

v (Children look surprised.) 

Fred—W ell, a little boy is better than a jack-in-the- 
box, anyway. 

Santa Claus (entering with large doll which he 
places at foot of tree) —That almost took my breath 
away. (Stands panting.) 

All the Girls —What a beautiful doll! 

(Sadie touches clothes of doll. Mary changes doll- 
like attitude and dances around.) 

Sadie —Why, this is not a doll! It is a beautiful 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 159' 

little girl! Let me show you our tree, little girl. 
(Leads Mary toward tree.) 

Santa Claus (entering with large stick of pepper¬ 
mint candy) —This will be candy enough to last you 
for some time. 

All the Poor Children—O h, oh, oh! See the 
big stick of candy! 

(Arthur runs up and touches stick of candy with his 
tongue. Alice pushes cylinder over her head and 
comes out.) 

Arthur —Please excuse me. I thought you were 
good to eat. 

(All laugh heartily.) 

Santa Claus (entering with large firecracker) — 
Here is something that will make all the noise you are 
looking for. 

Raymond —Let’s light it! Let’s light it! 

Mother (handing Raymond a match) —Be careful, 
now. 

(Raymond strikes match and pretends to light fire¬ 
cracker. A paper hag is hurst behind curtain to take 
the place of the explosion and Harold pushes off the 
red cylinder and jumps out.) 

Harold —See! you set me free. If you had not 
touched me I would still be a firecracker instead of a 
very lively boy. 

Santa Claus (entering with Mother Goose picture 
hook) —No Christmas is quite complete without one 
of these. I have delivered more of these pretty books 
than any other kind of present. 

Arthur —Oh, there’s Jack and Jill and Old Mother 
Goose herself. 

Edith (turning leaves of hooks )— How beautiful! 

Helen (dropping hook from before face and danc- 


160 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

ing around) —But don’t you think a little girl is much 
more interesting? 

All—Y es, we do. 

(Enter Fairy.) 

Fairy—O h, what a happy crowd! 

Santa Claus ( entering with Teddy Bear) —This 
old fellow is very heavy. 

Sadie ( putting arm around Teddy Bear) —I know 
that it is for me, for I have wanted one so much. 

(Helen slips off Teddy Bear suit and dances 
around.) 

Sadie —My! my! How you frightened me! 

Helen—I hope you are not disappointed. I will 
try to give you as much fun as a Teddy Bear would. 

Fairy —I need not ask you if you have found the 
greatest gift of all, for I see you have. I’d like to hear 
you all sing “Scatter the Sunshine,” for that is what 
you have been doing to-day. 

( Children , Mother , and Fairy group themselves and 
.sing, “Scatter the Sunshine ” or any similar song.) 

Ruth O. Dyer. 

The Old Woman in the Shoe 

SCENERY 

Any kind of background will serve. The shoe is 
made of a framework about six feet high, with a small 
opening about four feet high, left for the door. If the 
woodwork does not make a perfect outline it may be 
supplemented with cardboard tacked on to form the 
curves at the heel, etc. Then the whole is covered with 
black cambric, nine yards being required for this size, 
marked off with chalk to show buttons and seams. 
A box placed at the door for a doorstep forms the heel. 
This structure is supported by two braces at the back. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 161 
FOREWORD 

The lines of the play as here published are merely 
suggestive. So long as the spirit of giving is entered 
into by the various Mother Goose characters, the play 
will succeed. If the children can think of other things 
to say which will be consistent with the parts they are 
to interpret, so much the better. 

As the children enter to tell of the doings of the 
Mother Goose children on this unusual Christmas Eve, 
the piano may help by playing familiar Mother Goose 
songs. 

CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES 

Old Woman in the Shoe—O lder Girl. 

Her Children—D ressed in their nightgowns. 

Miss Muffet. 

Humpty Dumpty —Large piece of cardboard, with 
a yellow cambric back painted to look like a broken 
egg, forms his costume. 

Jack Horner. 

Bo-Peep. 

Pig—H ead made of buckram. 

Mistress Mary. 

Patty-Cake. 

Jack and Jill. 

Boy on a Hobby Stick. 

Queen of Hearts. 

King, Queen and Maid. 

Boy Blue. 

King Cole and His Fiddlers Three. 

Costumes of characters not here described should be 
like those illustrated in Mother Goose Book. 

Scene— In front of the Old Woman's Shoe. 


162 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Old Woman — Oh dear, oh dear! Christmas has 
come, and I have no presents for my children. Every¬ 
one else is making ready for that glad day and I have 
nothing to give. I have so many children I don't know 
what to do. Oh ! oh! oh! oh! 

(Children run in crying and pulling at her dress.) 

First Child —Mother, Mother, we've had our broth 
without any bread. 

All the Children ( crying) —Oh! oh! oh! 

Old Woman —Well, come here and be spanked now. 

(They get in line for a spanking, ivhich she adminis¬ 
ters.) Now run along to bed. ( Children lie down in 
little heaps inside the shoe, but can be plainly seen by 
the audience. Everything is still for a feiv moments. 
Bells can be heard tinkling in the distance.) 

(Miss Muffet enters, carrying bowl.) 

Miss Muffet —Well, well, this is Christmas Eve. 
Can you guess who I am? I am Little Miss Muffet. I 
had a terrible fright just now. I was sitting on my 
tuffet when a great spider came and sat down right be¬ 
side me. My, I was scared! I ran all the way here. 
Where am I, anyway? Oh, yes, I know. ( Looking 
around.) This is the poor Old Woman’s house. And 
see! there are all her little children asleep. I know 
what I will do. Here are my nice curds and whey 
which I have not eaten. I believe the children would 
like them for breakfast. I will put them here on the 
funny doorstep. ( Puts down her bowl.) Merry 
Christmas, Old Woman, and little children. (Exits.) 

(Humpty Dumpty, carrying basket of eggs, comes 
in and looks around in a surprised way.) 

Humpty Dumpty —Whew! it's a long way to the 
Old Woman's from my page in the Mother Goose book, 
but I was bound to come. My, I hope I am not broken. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 163 

You see, I have some nice fresh eggs for all the little 
children’s Christmas breakfast. I mustn’t let them 
fall. Oh me! oh my! he, he! Here they are. ( Takes 
eggs from basket , and puts them on doorstep.) Merry 
Christmas to you all! Merry Christmas! ( Goes out.) 



Humpty Dumpty Brought Eggs 


(Jack Horner enters , carrying a pie.) 

Jack Horner —I am a good boy. I just found this 
plum. See my nice Christmas pie? ( Looks at shoe.) 
What a funny house to live in! Nothing but an old 
shoe. Those children must be very poor. Perhaps 
they would like a pie for their Christmas, too. I shall 
give them mine. ( Puts pie on step.) I must go now. 
Merry Christmas to all the little children! Merry 
Christmas! (Runs off.) 









164 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

(Bo-Peep, carrying a toy sheep, comes in singing 
that she has found her sheep.) 

Bo-Peep —Do you know, I just found my sheep. I 
looked and looked for a long time but could not find 
them. At last I did and here is a baby one. I have 
heard that the poor little children in the shoe have no 



Little Bo-Peep Left a Toy Sheep 


toys for Christmas, so I am going to give them this to 
play with. I wonder where they are. ( Looks every¬ 
where and at last spies the shoe.) Oh, isn’t this a 
cunning house to live in? But they do not have very 
much; I can see that. Well, here is my little sheep. 
(Puts it in a prominent place.) I hope these children 
will stay with their mother and not get lost. Then 
they will have a good Christmas. (Skips off, singing.) 




CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 165 
(Pig trots on , grunting.) 

Pig—U gh! ugh! ugh! ugh! Where am I ? I am on 
the way home from market, for you must know I am 
the little pig that went to market. I have bought 
sugar and spice, and everything nice for the little chil¬ 
dren who live in the shoe. Ugh! ugh! ugh! Where is 
their shoe? Oh yes, here it is. I will put my goodies 
for them to see when they get up. Merry Christmas, 
Old Woman in the Shoe and all your little children, 
too. Ugh! ugh! (Trots off.) 



The Little Pig Brought a Basket of Goodies 


(Mistress Mary enters , carrying a basket of flowers.) 

Mistress Mary —Pm Mistress Mary, quite con¬ 
trary. All the morning I have been picking my flow¬ 
ers. I shall not be contrary this time, but will give all 
of these sweet flowers to the Old Woman in the Shoe 
because she has so many children she doesn’t know 





166 


CHRISTMAS ‘PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


what to do. She will like these, I know. And here are 
some cockle shells for the children to play with. 
(Puts basket down.) The best of happy days to you 
all. Good-night. ( Walks off.) 



Mistress Mary Brought Flowers for the Poor Children 


(Patty-Cake enters , carrying a cake.) 

Patty-Cake —I am the Patty-Cake, Patty-Cake, 
baker’s man. I have just made the finest cake you 
ever saw. I rolled it, and rolled it, and marked it with 
“T.” It is for the poor children’s Christmas dinner. 
Sh! here they are all asleep. Bless their little hearts I 
they shall have a pleasant Christmas day, after all. 
(Puts down cake and “patty-cakes” off.) 

(Jack enters ivith Jill , carrying a bucket of water.) 

Jack—O uch! my head hurts. 

Jill—I am Jill and this is my brother Jack. We 
went to the spring to get a pail of water, and we both 




167 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

fell down. Don’t cry, Jack! Let us look for the Old 
Woman’s house, so the children can have some fresh 
water for Christmas. The poor old mother has to go 
so far to get it that we thought we could save her one 
trip. 

Jack—H ere’s the funny old shoe. Put the bucket 
down so she can find it here when she gets up on 
Christmas morning. 

Jill _All right. Now don’t make a noise. Merry 

Christmas, cunning children! (They go out.) 

(Enter Boy riding a hobby stick. Carries toy pig.) 

Boy _I’ve been to market; now wait till I show you 

what I bought. A big, fat pig! Little children always 
like pigs to play with. I’ll leave this here for the 
children as a Christmas surprise. (Rides all around 
the shoe and then away.) 

(Queen of Hearts comes in carrying a tray.) 

Queen of Hearts—I am the Queen of Hearts you 
have read of so often. This Christmas I went into the 
royal kitchen and with my own hands made some tarts. 
Do you smell them ? My! they are delicious. I am out 
late, looking for the shoe where that poor family of 
starving children live. Poor little boys and girls! 
Never mind, they shall have something good this 
Christmas. I will put these tarts at the end of the 
step so they will find them when they get up. ( Looks 
in the doorway.of the shoe.) I hope you will have just 
a lovely Christmas, Old Woman. (Goes out quietly.) 

(King and Queen and Maid dance in, singing “Sing 
a Song of Sixpence” and carrying an immense pie.) 

The Three—H ere is the place for this pie. 

King—W on’t the Old Woman and her children have 
fun when they open this pie? 


1G8 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 



Queen of Hearts Brought a Tray of Tarts 


Queen —Yes, they will be astonished to see the four- 
and-twenty blackbirds hop out. 

Maid—L et us put it right here, and they will see it 
the first thing. 

King and Queen— So let it be. ( They group 
themselves near the step and put down the pie with 
much joy. Again they sing and walk off.) 

{Boy Blue enters , yawning and stretching. He 
carries a horn.) 

Boy Blue —I know you can guess who I am by my 
blue suit. My! I am still sleepy but it is Christmas 
Eve and I must wake up. Listen to this horn. 
(Blows.) Now I know everybody likes a horn for 
Christmas. In fact, Christmas isn’t Christmas at all 
without a horn. Humpty Dumpty told me that there 









CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 169 

were some poor children around this Mother Goose 
book who had no horn for Christmas, so I am going to 
give them mine. Well, well, here is their house. And 
here is my good horn. I think I will take a last blow. 

(Blows twice.) Merry Christmas to all the world. 

(Blows twice and then puts down horn and runs 
away.) 

(A loud laughing is heard outside and Old King 
Cole enters, convulsed with laughter.) 

Old King Cole —Ha! ha! ha! Who lives here in this 
queer place? By my soul, it is the Old Woman in the 
Shoe. Whoever heard of a Christmas Eve without 
music? ( Thinks a moment and bursts into fresh 
laughter.) Of course we must have music on Christ¬ 
mas. ( Claps his hands.) First fiddler, come! 

(Claps again.) Second fiddler, come! ( Claps a third 
time.) Third fiddler, come! (The fiddlers come on as 
called.) Now give us a lively tune. 

(The fiddlers play and Old King Cole indulges in 
another good laugh.) 

Old King Cole —Now that will do. Let us call all 
the Mother Goose children and ask them to sing for 
the poor boys and girls. ( Claps his hands and calls.) 
Mother Goose children, come, come! 

(The children who, have taken the various parts all 
come in, asking, “What is it?”) 

Old King Cole —Come now, sing some of your 
Christmas carols for the children. 

(They sing one or two of the jolly songs that they 
have learned for Christmas.) 

Old Woman (leaking and coming out of the shoe) 
—Well, well, what is this? Wake up, children! wake 
up, and see what has happened. (Children sit up r 
rubbing their eyes and exclaiming at their gifts.) 


170 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

See these wonderful presents for you. ( Children pick 
up some of the things saying, “Oh, see the pie,” or 
“What a darling pig,” etc.) Now make a curtsey and 
say, 'Thank you for a lovely Christmas.” 

Children ( bowing )—Thank you, Mother Goose 
children, for a lovely Christmas. 

Mother Goose Children— We wish you all a 
Merry Christmas! Alberta Walker . 

A Christmas Box from Aunt Jane 

CHARACTERS 

Mr. and Mrs. Dunning 
Grandma Dunning 
Cousin May 
Expressman 

Bob, Carol and Stevie Dunning 

Scene— Living room. Family sitting or standing, 
variously engaged, when Bob enters. 

Bob —Hurrah for the morning mail! Letters for 
you, Father. Letters and card for Mother. Papers 
for Grandmother. 

Mrs. Dunning —Oh, this card is from Aunt Jane. 
I always know her writing. She makes a tiny circle 
for every dot. 

Mr. Dunning —Well, Mother, you never knew Jane 
to do anything like anybody else, did you? 

Mrs. Dunning {reads) —T am sending you a 
Christmas box by express. Merry Christmas to you 
all!—Jane.” 

(Doorbell rings. Carol answers.) 

Expressman —Box for you, ma’am. Charges pre¬ 
paid. 

(All gather round. Bob cuts strings.) 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 171 

Bob —Hope she’s sent me a talking machine, radio 
set and limousine. 

Carol —Well, I’ll be satisfied if she’s sent me a new 
dress, but I hope it’s pink. 

Stevie— O-o-o-h. Wonder what’s for me! 

Mrs. Dunning —Now children, don’t get your hopes 
up too high. You never can tell about Aunt Jane. She 
has queer freaks sometimes. 

Mr. Dunning —Suppose I’ll be favored with a pair 
of slippers. I’ve been working overtime to wear out 
the thirteen pairs I got last Christmas. 

Mrs. Dunning —Well, your suspense will soon be 
over. I guess this is your share. ( Holds up coat.) 
Hand-me-downs! Well, of all things. Did we all look 
shabby, I wonder, the last time Jane was here? 

Mr. Dunning ( examining coat )—Ahem! Smoking 
jacket. Looks as if it had seen some service. But I 
don’t smoke. 

Bob —Well, can’t a fellow wear a smoking jacket 
without smoking? 

Mr. Dunning —Sure, just as a fellow can sit in a 
boat without rowing; but look, here’s a hole right in 
the top of the back. What respectable man would 
want to hold forth in that kind of rigging, even on a 
desert isle? ( Tries on coat. Family laugh heartily.) 
Well, go ahead—get the laugh on someone else. 

Mrs. Dunning —Here’s a kimono—black. This 

must be for you, Grandma. 

Grandma— Kimony? Well, I’ve lived seventy-five 
years without ever gettin’ time to wear one of them 
things, and I won’t begin now. Might try it on, but 
a clean woolen dress is good enough for me. ( Tries 
on kimono—too short and has elbow sleeves. Makes 
low curtsey at which all laugh.) 


172 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Mrs. Dunning —Bob, this must be your “limou¬ 
sine.” 

Bob ( holding up white vest) —Yes, I’d look scrump¬ 
tious in that vest Uncle William has worn out here for 
the last twenty years. If I wear that, I'll* join Ring- 
ling’s. ( Puts on vest—much too large. Struts around 
with thumbs in armholes, whistling popular air.) 

{Cousin May slips on large automobile shoes over 
her shoes, also large flowered jacket, whirls around 
room , with them on. All laugh.) 

(Mrs. Dunning —And Jane hasn’t forgotten me! 
Purple velvet hat and jacket. ( Puts on hat of ludi¬ 
crous shape, much too small, jacket too long and large, 
at which all go into convulsions of laughter. Makes 
botv to each member of family.) 

Mr. Dunning —Lucky for me—that saves me your 
coat and millinery bill. Now I get the new overcoat 
I’ve been wanting. 

Stevie —Wasn’t there anything for me? I wanted a 
bear on wheels like Joey Leslie’s. 

Mrs. Dunning —A cap and sweater seem to be your 
share, Stevie. {Sweater of red reaches to floor, cap 
covers head and face.) 

Mr. Dunning —Well, I guess we’re all equipped 
now, and ready for the road. Get your kodak, Bob, 
and snap us up. Might send one to Jane for a Christ¬ 
mas present. {Camera clicks. Mother picks up card 
which has fallen on floor.) 

Mrs. Dunning —Why, look here! There is some¬ 
thing on the other side of this card that I hadn’t no¬ 
ticed. {Reads.) “Perhaps the pockets in these arti¬ 
cles of clothing are too big. Don’t get angry—just my 
little joke. Put things in with the carpet-rags. You 
know I was born odd and never got over it.” 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


173 


(All feel in pockets , bring up envelopes. Excited 
exclamations—“Twenty dollars in mine”—“and mine” 
—“and mine” “Dear Aunt Jane” — “Who’d have 
thought it?” — “Well, I never” — “Isn't that just like 
the dear old soul?” etc.) 

Bob—C ome, let's have picture No. 2 for Aunt Jane. 

(Family strike artificial poses , smiling , holding out 
envelopes. Camera clicks. Curtain.) 

Alice J. Cleator. 


A Display of Mechanical Toys 


Showman 

Doll 

Athletes 

Elephant 

Soldier 


CHARACTERS 

Teddy Bear 
Clown 

Jack-in-the-Box 
Dutch Woman 
Scrub Woman 


DIRECTIONS 

The Elephant is made by having two children stoop 
over, one behind the other, with head at the waist line 
of the one ahead. Cover them with a gray blanket, 
having large gray ears pinned on each side, a piece of 
hose held by the leader, for a trunk, and a bit of rope 
pinned on for a tail. By keeping step a very good ele¬ 
phant is represented. 

The Athletes may be two boys who when wound up 
double their fists and in perfect unison pull their arms 
back and thrust them forward past the other’s ear, one 
using his right arm while the other uses his left, and 
vice versa. 

All the toys except the Elephant are arranged at 
the back of the platform. They stand very stiff and 
expressionless. The Showman steps forward and 
makes the following speech. 


174 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 
SHOWMAN’S SPEECH 

It is nearly Christmas time and everyone will soon 
want to be buying presents. Before looking anywhere 
else I want you to have an opportunity to see my fine 
line of mechanical toys. I brought them here to-night 
feeling sure I would have a chance to exhibit them to 
a large number of people. You who have little girls 
to buy for will be interested in this fine Paris doll. 

(Brings it forward.) By being properly wound up it 
will walk and speak. Let me demonstrate. ( Winds 
up Doll at the back. It walks stiffly and slowly across 
the stage squeaking “Ma-ma” and “Pa-pa” every three 
or four steps. Be as artificial as possible.) See how 
naturally it walks and talks. Any child would be 
happy to own such a doll. (Puts it back in place.) 

Or if they are more interested in housework this 
Scrub Woman will give them much pleasure. ( Brings 
it forward and winds it up. The toy kneels, dips brush 
in pail, scrubs stiffly three times and repeats. The 
movements are very jerky and grow slower and slow¬ 
er until it runs down. While it is working the Show¬ 
man continues his speech.) This toy is well made of 
durable material, and guaranteed for years. Anyone 
buying it will make a good investment. 

For the boys I have a toy elephant which is a great 
attraction. ( Calls to someone behind the curtain.) 
Is that elephant unpacked yet? (Someone answers 
“yes” and the Showman goes back. The audience 
hears him say, “Here, let me wind it up.” The Ele¬ 
phant comes walking out followed by the Showman 
who again addresses audience.) This is a fine toy 
to teach children natural history. (Elephant goes out.) 

Here is a good toy soldier. Get your boy half a doz¬ 
en of these and he is sure to be amused all of the time. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 175 

(Brings out the Soldier, winds it up and sets it back in 
place. Some drill movements with a gun are given.) 

These Athletes afford a good deal of amusement, too. 
The springs are sound and they will wear for a long 
time. These are toys I can recommend. 

The babies like Teddy Bears. Now here is an im¬ 
provement on the old style. Just turn a crank here at 
the back and the toy works itself and amuses the child. 
(The Teddy is seated on a box, feet straight out, arms 
in a stiff position. Before winding, the box may be 
pulled forward like a sled, or the box may be set at one 
side all the time where it shows off well and the Show- 
wan may just step over to it.) 

I have, also, a Jack-in-the-box which answers the 
same purpose. Instead of jumping from the box just 
once, like the old kind, the action is repeated until it 
runs down, when it can be rewound. ( The Jack, that 
has been hidden in the box, jumps up and sinks down 
once or twice, and when it runs down and stops, re¬ 
mains standing.) 

Here is a toy ( brings forward a Dutch Cleanser 
Woman) that not only amuses but instructs, teaching 
the children while at play the value of cleanliness and 
what to buy. ( The figure raises and lowers the stick 
rapidly, slowing up as it runs down.) 

Last, but not least, is this fine Clown. The joints are 
all ball bearing, the frame is solid, and every one from 
the oldest to the youngest will enjoy it. ( Winds up 
Clown, who moves in a very jerky manner making as 
funny motions as possible.) 

Step right up after the program and examine these 
toys for yourself. Satisfaction is guaranteed to any 
one investing in my fine line of mechanical toys. I 
thank you. Effie G. Belden. 


176 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

The Evergreen 

CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES 

Evergreen Tree—R epresented by child touching 
the Christmas Tree to be decorated. 

Christmas Tree Angel —Who should be capable of 
taking her own part and assisting the small children 
to decorate tree. Should dress as angels are pictured. 

Pop Corn Elves —Very small children in white; 
carry strings of pop corn. 

Cranberry Fairies —In red; carry strings of cran¬ 
berries. 

Candle Fairies —In white, with sashes of alternat¬ 
ing red and yellow. Should use electric candles if pos¬ 
sible. Above all things, don’t allow lighted candles 
near tree! 

Will o’ the Wisps, Fireflies, etc.—Carry the glass 
and tinsel ornaments and dress in rainbow colors, or 
white with sashes of various colors. 

Christmas Star —Should be dressed to suggest 
light and carry star to be placed on top of tree. 

Toys and Dolls —May be increased in number as 
desired. 

(Use personal judgment in details according to cir¬ 
cumstances and number of children taking part.) 

Tree— 

I’m just a little Evergreen; 

No fruits or nuts or flowers are seen 
On me; and yet I long to be 
So pretty children will love me! 

Angel ( appears , speaks to Evergreen) — 

Oh, I’m the Angel of the Trees! 

To grant your wish, now, if you please, 

I’ll call the Christmas Fairies here; 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 177 

And very soon you will appear 

In such a shining, bright array 

The children will just love to stay 

And round you sing and dance and play!— 

Come, little Pop Corn Elves! 

Pop Corn Elves ( scamper in )— 

Dear little Tree, we’re glad we’ve found you! 
We’ll twine white wreaths of pop corn round you! 
(They do this, assisted by Angel , and scamper into 
background.) 

Angel— 

Ho! Come, merry, tumbly fairies! 

Chubby, cheery, red Cranberries! 
Cranberry Fairies ( tumble, roll, and somersault 
into the scene. Speak or sing )— 

Little Tree, in spite of snow, 

Berries red on you shall grow! 

(They twine cranberry wreaths on Tree and disap- 
pear into background.) 

Angel— 

Come, Candle Fairies! Lend your light 
To gladden our green Tree to-night! 

Candle Fairies— 

You’ll surely every child delight 
With Christmas candles shining bright! 

(Place candles in or about Tree and vanish.) 
Angel— 

Will o’ the Wisps! Glowworms! Fireflies! 

Your elfin lamps our Tree would prize! 

(The children called now march in from opposite 
sides, winding in and out in a pretty drill, dressed in 
various colors, and carrying the glass and tinsel deco¬ 
rations and ornaments which they place on the Tree 
after saying — 


178 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Our glow and glimmer shall be seen 
Upon your branches, Evergreen! 

Angel— 

Gleam, Wondrous Star of Christmas Joy! 

You’re loved by every girl and boy! 

Star— 

0 Little Tree! You’re smiling so 
You hardly need my ray, you know; 

Yet just for Christmas I’ll shine bright— 

A Star shone that first Christmas night, 

When Wise Men followed its high flame 
And to the little Christ Child came. 

(Places Star at tip of tree, if possible.) 

(All the children taking part and all present now 
crowd around Tree, as Toys are called. Some real 
dolls and toys should be placed at the foot of the Tree.) 

Angel— 

Toys, appear, our Tree to bless, 

And see if we your names can guess! 

(Children make room for Toy Soldiers, who march 
from opposite sides of stage and perform a short mili¬ 
tary drill, or merely march in and out as they cross ► 
If uniforms are possible, they would be effective. All 
children clap hands and cry “Soldiers! Soldiers!” A 
French doll then is wound up, and walks stiffly across 
stage, saying “Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma” and running down in 
center of stage, is rewound and completes her journey 
across. One little child should pipe up: “Oh, isn't she 
beautiful!” A procession of dolls now marches or 
dances across the stage. These may include rag, boy, 
sailor, black “Dinah,” baby in nightie, Kewpie, Camp¬ 
bell Kid, Red Cross Nurse, Jap, and as many others as 
desired. Children discuss them informally, saying: 
“That's my fav'rite!” “Oh, I love her!” “I'd be very 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 


179 


good, if Santa would leave that one for me!” etc.) 
Angel ' (finally calls) — 

Come, Toys and Children, form a ring! 

Come round your Christmas Tree and sing! 

(All form large or double circle around Tree, sing¬ 
ing, skipping, clapping hands, happily. Should sing r 
to tune of i( The Mulberry Bush,” the following: 

Here we go round our Christmas Tree, Christmas 
Tree, Christmas Tree, 

Here we go round our Christmas Tree, 

Our Merry Christmas Tree! 

The Christmas Star is shining bright, shining bright, 
shining bright, 

The Christmas Star is shining bright 
Upon our Christmas Tree! 

We’ll clap our hands and laugh and sing, laugh and 
sing, laugh and sing, 

We’ll clap our hands and laugh and sing 
Around our Christmas Tree! 

(They go out clapping hands and singing.) 


Gertrude Loveless . 


Toyland 


CHARACTERS 


Johnny Brown 
Mabel Brown 
Dream Fairy 
Sandman 


Santa Claus 
Mrs. Santa 
Fairies 
Brownies 


Toys 


Bisque Doll 
Jack-in-the-box 
Gold Dust Twins 


Hans and Gretchen 

Topsy 

Kewpie 


180 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 
COSTUMES 

Santa Claus —Regulation fur-trimmed suit. 

Mrs. Santa —House dress, apron and cap. 

Dream Fairy —Long white dress; wings of gauzy 
material, wired; tinsel trimming. Carries wand. 

Sandman —Long gray gown with attached hood; 
carries a bag from which to scatter “sand.” 

Fairies— White, with tinsel trimming. 

Brownies —Tight-fitting suits of brown cambric 
and pointed caps of brown; brown stockings. 

Bisque Doll —Colored tissue paper or cheesecloth 
dress. 

Jack-in-the-Box —Figured paper or material gath¬ 
ered at the neck, loose to below waist; from waist 
down a large cardboard packing box is worn. 

Gold Dust Twins —Dressed as pictured in adver¬ 
tisements. 

Hans and Gretchen —Typical Dutch peasant cos¬ 
tumes. Hans, blue blouse with collar, cuffs and but¬ 
tons of red; full breeches; high round cap. Gretchen, 
plain fitted waist with full sleeves, high neck; full, 
gathered skirt; white kerchief and white Dutch cap. 

Topsy —Red dress; yellow turban. 

Kewpie —Tight flesh-colored waist with low neck 
and no sleeves; small wings of white gauzy material; 
short skirt of fluffy material same color as waist. 

Johnny Brown—R egular suit. 

Mabel Brown —Everyday dress. 

ACT I 

Setting— Living-room with fireplace; settee before 
fireplace; stockings hung . Enter Johnny and Mabel 
on tiptoe. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 181 

Johnny—S h! Don't make a sound! ( Both seat 
themselves on settee. Give a sigh of relief.) 

Mabel—N ow we are safe. I thought Mother would 
surely hear us and make us go back to bed. 

Johnny—D o you think he will really come down 
this chimney? (Both look up flue.) 

Mabel—I don't know, Johnny. Aren’t you a little 
bit scared? (She trembles.) 

Johnny—M e scared? Boys never get scared! You 
needn’t be afraid when I’m around ! 

(Pan dropped off stage.) 

Mabel (moving closer to Johnny) —Oh, Johnny, 
what’s that? 

Johnny (trembling) —I d-o-n-’t k-n-o-w. {He 
stands up straight and throws back his shoulders.) 
Your nerves are all upset. You’d better go back to 
bed. 

Mabel—G ood night, Johnny. Don’t let the Sand¬ 
man get you. (Exits.) 

Johnny—G irls are such scary cats. Who’s afraid 
of the Sandman! 

(Weird music. Enter Sandman with bag on 
shoulder.) 

Johnny (rubbing his eyes )— Who are you? 

Sandman (speaking slowly) —I—am—the—Sand 
—man. 

Johnny—H a! I’m not afraid of you. I am going 
to wait for old Santa Claus to come down this chimney. 

Sandman—W e’ll see, young man, we’ll see! 

(Sandman dances a funny little dance , sprinkling 
small scraps of paper from his bag. Sandman exits. 
Johnny falls asleep. Enter Fairies singing , to tune 
“Glad Christmas Bells ” in “The Golden Book of 
Favorite Songs.”) 


182 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 
Fairy Song 

Little fairies are we, 

Happy fairies are we, 

And we dance the livelong day. 

Each fairy, so sweet, 

Is light on her feet, 

As she dances the time away. 

Little boys, do not fear, 

We will take you from here, 

On a journey to dreamland fair; 

All the toys you will see, 

Such a treat it will be, 

As we go up the dreamland stair. 

(Fairies dance. Enter Dream Fairy, who dances. 
While music is still playing, she speaks.) 

Dream Fairy —Come, little fairies, let us take our 
little friend to Toyland. 

(Fairies gather around Johnny: Dream Fairy 
leads him out. Johnny keeps his eyes closed.) 

ACT II 

Setting : Toyland. Toys—Bisque Doll, Dutch 
Dolls, Topsy, Gold Dust Twins, Kewpie Doll and Jack- 
in-box—on stage. Toys must hold an absolutely stiff 
'position. 

Mrs. Santa ( sewing on a dolVs dress) —Dear me, 
Where is Mr. Santa Claus ? All the toys are ready and 
he’s not here. I guess I’ll call him. ( She rises; hears 
Santa and Brownies coming; they enter.) 

Santa —Ho, ho, here we are, Mrs. Santa. Brownies, 
sing that new song I taught you for Mrs. Santa. 

(Brownies sing to simple m,elody and do a funny 
dance.) 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 183 
Brownie Song 

Oh, ho! Oh, ho! merry Brownies are we, 

And we help old Santa trim the tree; 

We like to work, and like to play, 

And so we’re happy all the day. 

Mrs. Santa ( clapping )—Very good, my little 
Brownies. 

Santa —Away, Brownies; pack the toys in the 
sleigh. I have so many boys and girls to visit this year 
I shall have to make two trips. 

(Brownies take out bags of toys.) 

Santa —Good night, Mrs. Santa. Don’t wait up for 
me. I won’t be back till morning. (Exits.) 

Mrs. Santa (goes to door; waves. Sleigh bells 
heard.) —I am so tired. I guess I’ll go to bed. (Exits.) 

(Soft music. Enter Dream Fairy and Johnny. 
Fairy rings bell four times.) 

Dream Fairy —Wake up, everybody! Someone has 
come to call. 

(Toys come to life. Jack-in-box puts head out of 
box; stretches himself as if he had been cramped for 
a long time. Toys bow to Johnny.) 

Jack —Good evening, sir. Will you be seated? 

(Johnny sits down.) 

Jack —The first number on our program will be a 
song and dance by Bisque Doll. 

(Bisque Doll sings and dances to chorus of “Kiss 
Me.” She dances — a waltz step.) 

Doll Song 
A bisque doll am I, 

With eyes blue as the sky, 

And my hair in curls so neat; 

The girls all love me, 


184 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

^As you can see 
I’m as happy as I can be; 

I can dance 
And I can sing, 

I can do ’most everything; 

I’m all alone, 

So take me home 
To some nice little girlie. 

Jack —The second number on our program will be a 
dance by Topsy, our little pickaninny. 

(Topsy dances jig. Irish jig will do.) 

Jack —The third number on our program will be a 
song and dance by Gretchen and Hans, our Dutch dolls. 

Dutch Song 

Tune: “Coming Thro : the Rye.” 

Gretchen— 

I am Gretchen, pretty Gretchen, 

From Netherland am I. 

Hans— 

I am Hans, the little Hans, 

(Raises hand even with head.) 

I’m only just so high. 

Jack —The fourth number on our program will be 
a recitation by our Gold Dust Twins. 

(Enter Twins with scrubbing brushes and package 
of Gold Dust. They recite.) 

Gold Dust Twins— 

Two Gold Dust Twins are we, 

We scrub, and scrub, and scrub; 

We’ll wash your clothes, oh very clean,— 

We’ll rub and rub and rub. 

Jack —The fifth number on our program will be a 
dance by Kewpie Doll. 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 185 

(A small girl may here dance, or recite a poem.) 

Johnny —Those dolls are good dancers, but why 
don't you dance, Mr. Jack-in-the-box? 

Jack —Ho, ho, I haven't danced in years. I’m afraid 
I'm too old and stiff, but I'll try. 

( Jack-in-the-box dances. At end of dance Johnny 
claps. Bell strikes; toys resume stiff positions; 
Johnny falls asleep.) 

ACT III 

Setting: Same as in Act I. Johnny asleep on 
settee. Small toys, doll, Jack-in-the-box, etc., in stock¬ 
ings. Enter Mabel; she shakes Johnny.) 

Mabel —Wake up, Johnny, and see what Santa 
brought us. 

Johnny (wakes up, rubs eyes and looks around 
room. Pinches toys to see if they are alive. He 
speaks in a disappointed voice )—Oh! It was only a 
dream! Peggy Schroeder. 

Serenading Santa Claus 

CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES 

Miss Muffet —Mother Hubbard dress, with round 
neck and puffed sleeves; a broad sash which ties in a 
big bow behind. 

Jack and Jill —Jack wears a blouse, overalls, and a 
straw hat, Jill wears a blue gingham dress and sun- 
bonnet. 

Bo-Peep —White dress with square Dutch neck and 
full elbow sleeves. A bodice about the waist adds to 
the effect. This may be made of an oblong piece of 
black cambric laced with a black shoestring. She 
wears a garden hat with two long streamers behind, 
and carries a crook on which is tied a large bow. 


186 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Curly Locks —Light colored dress with round neck 
and short sleeves. 

Jack Horner—W hite blouse and dark colored knee 
trousers; fancy pointed cap; carries a large pie. 

Simple Simon —Overalls and smock cut kimono 
fashion; a small cap gathered at top which turns over 
at one side, with a tassel. 

Boy Blue —Blue middy suit, with belt, round collar 
and cuffs of white; red tie; black stockings and san¬ 
dals ; large shade hat with blue band and streamers. 

Humpty Dumpty —Blouse, with full sleeves; over¬ 
alls. Both padded to make him seem very fat. 

Santa Claus —Loose coat, with a cape, knicker¬ 
bockers, leggings and pointed hood of red, trimmed 
with bands of absorbent cotton. He must be well 
padded to make him appear fat. He carries a pack. 

Stage Setting —There should he an imitation 
chimney and fireplace, a curtain at right angles to 
audience, and a door. 

(Enter Little Miss Muffet with howl and spoon.) 

Miss Muffet (looking around) —Where can I find 
a tuffet to sit on, so I can eat my curds and whey? Oh, 
here's one! (Sits down, looks around fearfully.) I'm 
so afraid that pesky spider will come crawling along I 
He just gives me the creeps! (Begins eating.) 

Little Jack Horner (entering during her speech) 
—Afraid of a little spider! My, I’m glad Ym not a 
girl! (Sits down in corner and eats pie. Enter Jack 
and Jill carrying a pail of water.) 

Jack —Well for once we got here without falling 
down and spilling all the water! (Sets pail down 
carefully.) 

Jill —That's because you didn't try to hurry too 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 187 

fast. My! I’m tired! {Sits down by Miss Muffet . 
Enter Bo-Peep.) 

Jill {jumping up and offering chair) —You must be 
tired chasing after those sheep, Bo-Peep. Here, take 
my chair and sit down and rest. 

Bo-Peep —No thank you, Jill. You forget this is 
winter. No herding of sheep for me! Little Boy Blue 
and I have the best time coasting down hill, nowadays t 

Little Boy Blue {entering during last speech) — 
You bet we do! How glad I am the grass is all gone! 
{Flings himself down by Jack Horner .) Hello, Jack! 
Give me some pie ! I’m hungry! 

Jack Horner —Here, take this piece! {Offers him 
a generous slice. The two boys eat pie, taking large 
bites and evidently enjoying themselves. They con¬ 
tinue this until Christmas is mentioned. Humpty 
Dumpty comes in with a rolling step.) 

Little Boy Blue—H ello there, Humpty Dumpty I 
We heard you were all broken up ! 

Humpty Dumpty —Some folks like to make a big 
story out of a little one. I did get a little crack, but 
Dr. Foster came down from Gloucester in a shower of 
rain, and fixed me up, and I’m all right! {Sits down 
beside Boy Blue. Enter Simple Simon with pail, fish 
pole, and line.) 

Boy Blue —Ha, ha! Look at Simple Simon! Snow 
on the ground, the river all frozen over, and still try¬ 
ing catch fish! 

Simple Simon {striking attitude) —Ha, ha! Look 
at Boy Blue! Snow on the ground, the river all frozen 
over, and still trying to herd sheep! 

Boy Blue —That’s where you’re off, Simple Simon! 
Instead of herding sheep, Bo-Peep and I have been 
coasting down hill. 


188 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Simple Simon —Coasting down hill! Oh, take me 
with you! I could go down in my mother's pail! See? 

(Steps into pail and perches or sits on rim. All 
children run up and gather around him, laughing up¬ 
roariously.) 

Curly Locks {entering) —What’s all the fun 
about ? 

Miss Muffet —Oh, Curly Locks! Come here! Sim¬ 
ple Simon can’t catch any fish in his mother’s pail, so 
he’s going coasting in it! 

Curly Locks—O h, Simple Simon! You’re such a 
funny boy! 

Simple Simon {jumping out of pail and falling on 
his knees in front of Curly Locks) — 

Curly Locks, Curly Locks, 

Will you be mine? 

Curly Locks {taking him by the arm) —You silly 
boy! Get up! {Pulls him up.) Go over there in the 
corner by Jack Horner and behave yourself! {He sits 
on floor by Jack Horner.) 

Jack Horner {between mouthfuls of pie) —Say, 
kids, do you know it’s Christmas Eve? 

Jill —Christmas Eve? Why of course it is! What 
did you think we came here for? 

Jack Horner —Well, I didn’t know. A smart fel¬ 
low like me, of course, keeps track of Christmas time. 
But I didn’t know about the rest of you small fry. 

Boy Blue —Small fry! I like that! 

Simple Simon —Christmas! What’s Christmas? 

Humpty Dumpty {going over and placing a patron¬ 
izing hand on his shoulder) —Christmas, my son, is 
the time when you hang up your stocking. 

Simple Simon—W hat for? 

Jack Horner —To catch mice in! 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 189 

Jack —To frighten away the crows! 

Boy Blue —For snowbirds to build their nests in! 

Humpty Dumpty —So you can climb up on a step- 
ladder to get into it! 

Bo-Peep —You boys ought to be ashamed of your¬ 
selves ! 

Miss Muffet (in motherly tones) —I’ll tell you 
what for, Simple Simon. You hang them up over the 
fireplace, for Santa Claus to put Christmas presents 
in. 

Simple Simon —What’s Christmas presents? 

Jill —Oh, you poor boy! Did you never get a 
Christmas present? Don’t you know about Santa 
Claus ? 

Simple Simon —No. Who’s Santa Claus? 

Jill —He’s an old gentleman who comes down the 
chimney Christmas Eve when we are all asleep and 
puts dolls and balls and jackknives and all kinds of 
toys in your stocking, if you hang it up over the fire¬ 
place. 

Simple Simon (running to center front , sitting 
down on floor , and beginning to unlace shoe) —Gee! 
I’m going to hang up mine in a hurry! 

Jack Horner —Hold on there! Santa likes clean 
stockings. I’ve brought along two, so you can have 
one of mine. ( Gives stocking to Simple Simon.) 

Boy Blue —Yes, and it’s high time we’re hanging 
them up, I'll say! Come on, everybody. ( All children 
go to fireplace and hang up stockings.) 

Simple Simon —And now what do we do next? 

Curly Locks —Let’s all hide behind this curtain 
and watch for Santa Claus. 

Miss Muffet —Oh, let’s! I’ve always wanted to see 
Santa Claus! 


190 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

Jack Horner—Y es, and let's give old Santa a ser¬ 
enade. We’ll get a horn, and a drum, and—and a 
jew’s-harp, and— 

Humpty Dumpty—T hat’s the stuff! We’ll start 
the music behind the curtain, just as he finishes filling 
the stockings and is ready to climb up the chimney. 

Jack—H ere’s a horn! (Toots on it.) 

Simple Simon—A nd here’s a drum— 

Miss Muffet—H ere’s a comb—I’ll put some paper 
over it. 

Jill—H ere’s a jew’s-harp! 

Bo-Peep—H ere’s a mouth organ! 

Boy Blue—H ow’ll we keep awake ? He won’t come 
until midnight, you know, and I’m sleepy right now. 

Jack Horner—W e’ll take turns standing guard, 
and the one who’s guard when Santa Claus comes will 
wake up the others. 

Humpty Dumpty— A fme idea! Only don’t let Boy 
Blue stand guard. You know how he fell asleep that 
time! 

All the Rest—H a, ha, ha! 

Boy Blue—I think I shouldn’t talk, if I were you, 
Humpty Dumpty! You might fall down and break 
yourself any moment, if you were standing guard, 
and then who’d wake us up ? 

Bo-Peep—N ow, boys, quit your quarreling! I’ll 
stand guard first; Jack Horner, you may be second; 
Jill may be third, Jack fourth (ranging them in line 
against the wall) ; Boy Blue, you’ll be number five; 
Simple Simon, six; Miss Muffet, seven; Curly Locks, 
eight; Humpty Dumpty, nine. 

Boy Blue (stepping out and standing in front of 
Bo-Peep , arms akimbo )—You seem to think you are 
running this show! 


CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 191 

Bo-Peep —I am! Run to your places now. 

Jack Horner —All right! Come on, kids! ( They 
all get behind the curtain in sight of audience , but out 
of sight of Santa Claus. They sit on floor. Presently 
all f including guard , are asleep.) 

Santa ( stepping out’of fireplace) —Well, well! 
That last chimney was a pretty tight squeeze. But I 
guess Pm all here! Let’s see! What town is this? 

{Looks about.) Oh yes, this is-! This is the place 

where Mother Goose’s family was to meet and hang 
up their stockings. Yes, and here are their stockings, 
right here. That one there belongs to Jack Horner—a 
pretty good sort of boy, but very greedy for pie! I 
mustn’t give him anything to eat—he eats too much al¬ 
ready. Let’s see, I guess I’ll give him a book. And 
here’s Bo-Peep’s stocking. A toy sheep for her, and 
one for Boy Blue, too. Here’s Miss Muffet’s stocking; 
I believe I’ll play a joke on her. There’s a toy spider 
in this box. Won’t she jump when she opens it! 
{Takes up another stocking.) Simple Simon, eh? 
Poor little chap, the children are always making fun 
of him! He isn’t half so simple as folks think he is. 
He’ll make a fine man some day. I’ll put in a primer 
for him—he must learn to read. And here are the 
stockings of Jack and Jill. Pretty good children, only 
terribly careless about falling down. Here’s a roll of 
absorbent cotton, some gauze and some adhesive tape 
for them. And a bottle of liniment, too. Ha, ha! 
Their mother will appreciate that! Here’s Humpty 
Dumpty’s stocking—now what would he like? A bot¬ 
tle of New Skin to use if he should crack. Yes, that 
will be just the thing. And last of all what would 
Curly Locks like in her stocking? That’s easy! Kid 
curlers, of course, to keep her hair in curl. Now each 



192 CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND RECITATIONS 

one has his presents, I’ll be off. ( Walks past curtain, 
discovers children.) Well, if there isn’t the whole 
shooting match, and all fast asleep! Watching for old 
Santa, I’ll bet! That’s not a new trick. But what are 
these things in their hands—a horn? a drum? a 
mouth-organ? Bless their hearts, they were going to 
serenade old Santa! And they fell asleep! Well, I 
must find some way of wakening them, if I’m going 
to get that serenade! Let’s see—what’ll I do ? ( Falls 

over stool, making terrible noise, then dashes through 
door, stands and waits. Children all awaken, jump 
up.) 

Jack Horner —Hi, there, kids, it’s Santa Claus! 
Tune up! ( They begin to play and Santa dances.) 

Boy Blue —What’s the matter with Santa Claus ? 

All —He’s all right! 

Boy Blue—W ho’s all right? 

All —Santa Claus! 

Boy Blue —Three cheers for Santa Claus! Hip, 
hip, hurrah! Hip, hip, hurrah! Hip, hip, hurrah! 

(Santa bows with lifted cap, waves, exits.) 

Pearl S. Kelley . 


LbFe'24 


LITTLE PLAYS A DID EXERCISES NO. 3 

The following plays are included in one book. Price 35 cents. 

A Christinas Carol. Adapted for stage use from Dicken’s famous story, by Alice Cook 
Fuller. 15 characters. 

An Interview with Santa Claus. By Willis N. Bugbee. Bright and ingenious Christmas 
play. 23 characters or less. The Truly Believers. By S. Emily Potter. A Christmas ex¬ 
ercise for little ones. 2 to 8 characters. 

A Visit to Santa Claus. By Mary Louise Dietz. For Primary grades. 16 children or all 
in the room. 

The Golden Key. By Willis N. Bugbee. Scene in Story Book Land, with the Pied Piper 
and some familiar Mother Goose characters. 12 cnildren or more. 

An Arbor Day Panorama. By Willis N. Bugbee. Flower Girls, Overall Boys and Sun- 
bonnet Girls. As many as desired. The Picnic Party. By Maude M. Grant. For primary. 
Rainbow children, songs, marches. 13 children or more. 

Choosing a Valentine. By M. C. Skeel. Bright and amusing dialogue. 6 characters. 

Modem Minutemen. By Willis N. Bugbee. A Washington Birthday dialogue. 14 char¬ 
acters. Lincoln Exercise. By Lettie Sterling. Drill and March. 14 characters. 

The Fairy Garden. By Willis N. Bugbee. A Robert Louis Stevenson exercise. 17 or 
more characters. Diamonds and Toads. Fairy tale dramatized by Annette Howard. 14 
characters or more. 

Robin Hood’s Party. By Laura R. Smith. Introducing the Merry Men, Red Riding Hood. 
Bo-Peep. Songs and marches. 12 girls, or less ; 12 boys, or more. 

February Fairies. By S. Emily Potter. A unique and pleasing play for primary children. 
15 characters. Number in Verse. By Virginia Baker. A short exercise for any number of 
children up to 12. 

Vacation Time. By Laura R. Smith. Dialogue and recitations, for 10 or more. 

Thanksgiving Entertainment. By Rosemary Richards. With recitations, songs, etc., for 
several pupils or school. 

CHRISTMAS PLAYS AND EXERCISES 

The following Plays and Exercises especially adapted for Christmas, are selectedfrom the 
three books or Little Plays and Exercises” and published in a separate volume : The Heal 
Santa (3 aets), Laura Rountree Smith ; Christmas Secrets (With Song and prill), Alice E. 
Allen and T. B. Weaver: A Christmas Carol (Adapted from Dickens’ ‘Christmas Carol ). 
Alice Cook Fuller ; A Visit to Santa Claus, Mary Louise Dietz ; An Interview with Santa 
Claus, Willis N. Bugbee ; The Truly Believers, S. Emily Potter ; The Lost Reindeer, Laura 
Rountree Smith ; In the Palace of Kriss Kringle, Annie M. W. Lawton ; Christmas Joys and 
Toys, Laura Rountree Smith ; What Santa Brought, Willis N. Bugbee ; The Captive Jack 
Frost, Martha Burr Banks. 

Paper bound. Price 35 cents, postpaid. Each play in separate book 10c each 

The \ear*s Entertainments 

Compiled and Arranged by I net /V. McFem 

The c intents of this book are arranged under complete programs for different grades, ap prop riate to 
the mont l or for various Holidays, Birthdays or other Special Occasions. With these programs as a 
basis, the nook provides a vast amount of Entertainment Material, made up of Recitations, * 

Dialogues, Tableaux, Memory Gems, with Directions to Teachers, Hints for Decoration, etc. While the 
arrangement is based on various complete programs the material can be used in many other ways, either 
in connection with set programs or otherwise, as desired. 

Graded. Much of the material is graded, in some instances both the primary and more advanced 
programs and material being supplied for the same occasion, thus rendering the book equally helpful to 
teachers of all grades. 

The Index is printed complete and gives in alphabetical arrangement the titles of the more than 

■ix hundred selections contained in the book. 

Character of Contents. Great care has been exercised that only the choicest and most approved 
selections should appear in this book, with the result that a rare collection of entertainment material is 
presented. A large number of selections appear for the first time in a general collection, as they are 
protected by copyright and could be used only by consent of author or publisher. 

No matter what other Entertainment Books you have, you need this, yet with 
this book little else in this line would really be needed, for it aims to and does supply 
an abundance of material for any occasion. 

Complete in one volume of 364 double column paces (size 5)^x8)^ inches),well bound 
in silk cloth. PRICE $1.25. 



instructor Entertainment Books 

Compiled by Grace B. Faxon 


Pieces and Plays for Lincoln's Birthday 

There has always been a dearth of Lincoln material for the little people. This book wil 
remedy the omission for there is much for even the first graders in its contents. The Reci 
tations for older Pupils contain all the famous poems written by great authors and other 
of much value, though not so well known. There are almost one hundred pages of Dialogue 
and Plays, some suited for an entire schoolroom. 192 Pages. Price 35 Cents, Postpaid. 

Pieces and Plays for Primary Pupils 

This is a book designed for the primary teacher to use ail the year around. The first part is devote< 
to the very best collection of pieces to speak ever put into book form, a collection that was in the mak 
lng for years. All of the selections are written from a child's viewpoint, and are the cleverest, brightes 
recitations imaginable. The last half of the book contains eighteen dialogues and plays, besides thi 
pageant of “The Pied Piper," suited to any general program. Some of the plays would “act" fifteei 
minutes and in them the children represent flowers, dolls, # schoolroom objects, Mother Goose and fairy 
tale characters, and grown persons. 160 Pages. Price 35 Cents. Postpaid. 

Pieces and Plays for October Days 

Autumn Festivals. Plays, Dialogues, Drills, Dances, Recitations and Music having t< 
do with the wind, leaves, fruits, birds, squirrels, etc. Hiawatha Play. A splendid drama 
tization of “Hiawatha’s Childhood.” Columbus Day Celebrations (Oct. 12). Dialogues 
Plays, Recitations and Music for all grades. Halloween Entertainments (Oct. 31). Orig 
Inal ideas are in great demand for this occasion and one-half the book has been given ti 
Halloween. There are descriptions of festivities as held in 18 schoolrooms. Games, Drills 
Dances, Plays. Dialogues and Music. 192 Pages. Price 35 Cents, Postpaid. 

Pieces and Plays for Special Days 

The contents consist of Quotations, Recitations, Verses for Familiar Tunes, Music, Drills, Dances 
Dialogues, Plays, and Programs for New Years, Valentine Day, Longfellow's Birthday, Easter, Arboi 
and Bird Day, May Day, Mother's Day, and Peace Day. 192 pages. Price, 35 Cents t Postpaid 

Pieces and Plays for Washington’s Birthday 

This is a collection of Washington material that will fill many a need. The teacher will find asplendic 
selection from which to choose for a Washington program. Most of the recitations have never appearec 
In any other collection. The Dialogues and Plays have been successfully acted in schoolrooms ; in man} 
of them an entire room of pupils may take part. An abundance of material for very small children 
192 Pages. Price 35 Cents, Postpaid. 

Dialogues and Plays tor Country Schools 

A book that is invaluable in the making of a popular program. There iB a part for every child, th« 
timid, the awkward, the lively, the natural actor, or the ungifted. Most of the selections are humorous ; 
some are serious, but consist of happily chosen themes that are sure to please an audience. The hook con¬ 
tains more than twenty-five selections, ranging from dialogues that “act" three minutes to plays that 
will consume thirty minutes. Teachers who are looking for selections to brighten Friday afternoon ex¬ 
ercises or other programs wil) be delighted with the book. 130 pages. Price, 35 Cents, postpaid. 

Closing Day Exercises 

This volume has been made expressly as an answer to the hundreds of inquiries sent yearly to the 
Editor of the Entertainment Department of Normal Instructor-Primary Plans tor suggestions as to an 
Interesting Closing Day Program. There is no similar book on the market. The variety of material and 
the usable suggestions are infinite Exereises are given suited for all the grades from first to eighth,and 
many of them may be used interchangeably. The Specimen Parts given are real products of graduates^ 
There are more than forty Suggestive Programs. 192 Pages. Price 35 Cents, Postpaid* f 

Pieces and Plays for Christmas Days 

A collection of more than One Hundred Recitations and Songs and many Dialogues and Plays. The 
Finest Assemblage of Christmas Material Ever Put into Book Form. The old favorites are 
here, many seldom found in a collection of this sort, and others written especially for this book. The great"* 
feature of the dialogues and plays is that many of them include a whole 9choolroomful, and others may 
be used with a small or large number 192 Pages. Price 35 Cents, Postpaid. 

Pieces and Plays tor Patriotic Days \ 

This book is devoted to Memorial Day (May 30) and Flag Day (June 14), but much of the contents^ 
may be used in any patriot program, and many selections very suitably may find a place in a program 
given for the benefit of the Red Cross. The contents include Recitations for Young People and 
Advanced Grades, Quotations, Verses for Familiar Tunes. Drills, Dialogues and Plays. 
Abundance of selections for little folk. There are entire programs for the higher grades. Among the 
plays iDeluded is an excellent dramatization of “The Man Without a Country.” 160 Pages Price 
35 Cents, Postpaid. 













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